LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles was a very nice platforming surprise. With huge open levels filled with things to do and places to explore, it’s hard not to be impressed by the game’s presentation. Things are a little let down by the game’s shallow combat, but I can’t deny that I had a lot of fun playing through this game. Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is an ideal pick if you’re looking for an instant pick-up and play platforming experience just to get lost in for a few gaming sessions. Throw in the ability to play with friends and you also may have a game night game to enjoy too. Don’t let this one roll on by, take a look and if nothing else add it to your wishlist. For many players, video games are just about having fun, and Bang-on Balls certainly achieves that.
I really liked Goliath Depot. Although it’s a unique idea, it feels like it would be worthy of its very own oversized cabinet. It’s pick-up-and-play arcade goodness that’s appealing to retro fans and even those dipping into the genre for the first time. Ideal for the busy gamer with only a short amount of gaming time to spare. There are also plenty of reasons to play, whether it’s to unlock new abilities, attempt a high score or even enjoy the experience with a friend. It falls slightly short of not allowing the player to customize difficulty. But if you’re just looking to revisit the arcade days but with something different, then be sure to check out Goliath Depot.
There is no denying that Pine Hearts is a beautifully crafted narrative. There are plenty of tasks to keep any quest hunter happy, but don’t rely on the quest log to keep track. The characters are adorable, the graphics are fresh and colourful, and the music adds to the experience.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami is one of the best kid-friendly games I’ve ever played. It seems like something that would be super fun to play with some older kids who are comfortable reading and with deduction. While I had some issues with the game, overall, it was such a fun experience. Duck Detective: The Secret Salami has good music, amazing voice acting, fun interactions, and just a good storyline and feel. I love this from my bill down to my webbed feet!
Paper Trail is an absolutely enchanting game that is bursting at the seams with charm and whimsy. While the concept may not be entirely new, the gameplay and delightful characters truly steal the show in Paper Trail. The innovative use of origami to manipulate the environment and unlock hidden pathways is simply genius. I have never experienced a game quite like Paper Trail, and I have a feeling that any future game attempting to emulate its unique mechanics will have an exceedingly tough act to follow. I am beyond impressed with this stellar gem of a game and cannot wait to see what other delightful surprises it has in store for me.
Coffee Caravan is a surprising riff on one of today’s most popular subgenres, and what’s more surprising is that it works pretty well, so long as what you want is a game that speed runs you through a sleek restaurant management sim with the promise of some useful goodies to unlock. I found the harder options to be pretty intimidating at first, but catching the rhythm of brewing, serving, cleaning, and then doing it again is a lot of fun in short bursts, and the lack of harsh consequences means you don’t feel burned for trying. That said, it really is a game best played in short sessions, and its quick run times make that easy and fun to do without risking burnout. The gradual recipe unlocks also adds variety without being overwhelming, and the result is a well-done, small-scale game that handles its strange little niche quite smoothly. Its minimalism and short-run flair mean it might not be for everyone. Still, for those looking for a quick visit to the land of Zen and the Art of Coffee, Coffee Caravan is a determined offering that stays grounded in the world of sims yet whimsical enough to throw that gentle rogue-lite style in the mix.
I keep vacillating between liking Little-Known Galaxy a lot and outright loving it, and it may be that I simply need more time to explore a couple more worlds. Perhaps that I want to is the answer I need. I have to say that, for me, it’s doing everything right in spinning the Stardew formula while giving you a freshened, lighter experience, and I’m hooked on the mystery of the relic. In terms of ease, it’s a great game for a beginner to try out the genre, letting you explore and figure things out instead of feeling like you need to hit the ground running in order to have an efficient first year. Overall, I truly dig this game, and the opportunity to review it kept me from trying to scratch my post-1.6 Valley itch with other games on my wish list that I might not have liked as much. A new theme, a new pace, and a charming little low-stakes universe just might be what Dr. McCoy ordered for you, too. Beam a copy down and explore a Little-Known Galaxy for yourself.
Overall, Bubble Dogs was kind of fun. It’s a simple game that feels familiar to play. As much as I love Suika-likes, I couldn’t love Bubble Dogs, which is so incredibly sad. Because a puppy-themed Suika game should have been right up my alley. I would prefer a slightly more expensive game with a lot more thought put into it.
Astro Pig is quite the delightful puzzler that will most certainly appeal to those looking for a chilled-out gaming experience. Puzzles are challenging but not frustrating. With its relaxing vibes and soundtrack, this seems an ideal pick-up if you only have a short amount of gaming time to spare. The additional mini-games and the ability to create your own music only add to the charm of the game. If you’re looking for your next feel-good experience to enjoy with a good drink, Astro Pig will take you to the stars for your next gaming session.
There may be someone out there for whom Balance will strike the right note. I can see, as if on a distant horizon, the goal the developer intends to show their players. But without a little more help in finding the zen of juggling numbers until they all ascend the board, I’m simply not motivated to ever try this again when I can instead move to Piczle Cross: Story of Seasons or one of the Picross S series games that I haven’t bought yet. It’s not pleasant to give a negative review to a fledgling developer who’s trying to bring something new to an audience that loves logic puzzles. Still, between the too-tight aesthetic, the tiny text, and the way I ended up fumbling grumpily with each board with no real encouragement, I can’t, in good faith, say I can recommend this game, even to other puzzle fans. But I also don’t think developer Wool Tyranny should give up or take my ranking too deeply to heart. It’s a good start when you know to offer a simple aesthetic to someone trying to figure out something new, and the music is very charming. Hopefully, they’ll try again down the line with something a little more polished and with a little more zest for player response. Until then, warm hugs, my apologies, and I’m very sorry that I need to say goodbye to Balance like this.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a gorgeous and fun addition to a great puzzle platformer game series. I highly recommend it if you are a fan of the original trilogy or are in the mood for a truly magical platforming adventure.
Baladins is a delightfully enjoyable game. Though I don’t think every gamer will enjoy all the backtracking and the rewinding of time, the storyline is fun. If you like turn-based roleplaying games that you can play with your friends, then give Baladins a try.
Athenian Rhapsody, under the gassy gags and quirky NPCs, is a love letter to cult classics and indie games from our childhoods to today. Its mini-games are so diverse that it’s hard to get bored with any one aspect of the experience, and the sheer cheerful weirdness of it all will give you a smile even if you’re butting through some tougher patches. Because of that cheerfulness, it’s easy to give the tough spots a second chance, and a little dedication will help you enjoy the game, too. It’s hard to sum up what’s going on in the game’s world, but once you’re playing, it’s easy to simply ride it along while you’re meeting bizarre new friends. And, although I haven’t gotten that far yet, it’s clear that there really is an Undertale-style complexity in place to give you a reason to revisit. All in all, it’s quite an achievement from a new indie developer, and I can’t help but admire how polished and cohesively quirky it all is. Athenian Rhapsody may not be your kind of thing, but with a free demo available, it’s worth it to at least give this game a try.
Shockwaves has a simple concept that is unique. The puzzles are challenging and fun, and the game has a ton of replay value. If you enjoy 2048-type games and you are looking for a lot of fun for cheap, Shockwaves is not a bad choice. It’s one of those incredibly clever number games that you will find yourself going back to play again and again. It reminded me a lot of Num One, a game that I adore and keep downloaded on my PC to play when I have a few extra minutes and don’t want to dive into a complex game. It’s fun, colorful, simple, and has satisfying action on the number movement. I can’t recommend Shockwaves enough to those who like number puzzles and are looking for a new and unique challenge.
Overall, I’ve had a lot of fun with Fabledom. It can be a slow burner, and it takes a while to get going. That may not suit all players of the genre, but for me, it gives me an opportunity to watch the Fablings ambling around as they build their city, and I love the fairytale setting.
Pocket Oasis is chill, nice to look at, and a fun idle game to play while you are doing something else. It doesn’t require a whole lot from you, and your plants seem to grow even while the game is closed. It’s fun, but I think it could use a little bit more love from the development team. With a little tweaking, Pocket Oasis could be the best relaxing idle game I’ve ever played.
Hand in Hand is a beautifully created game with a narrative which is sure to warm the hearts of young and old alike. It’s challenging without being frustrating, and I absolutely loved playing it. I have still yet to complete it, but my 11-year-old and I are working on it and enjoying bonding time while we do so. I’d definitely recommend this game in co-op mode rather than solo mode purely because it’s far easier to navigate one character than two, but if you’re up for a challenge, then solo mode is also worth a shot. Either way, Hand in Hand is a beautiful addition to the Nintendo Switch catalogue
A round of ap-paws for Little Kitty, Big City. It’s the purr-fect offering of adventure, humour and collecting. There is the fun of exploring the big city and puzzling out how to get to different areas. The entertaining conversations with the various residents, coupled with the amusing actions of the adorable kitten. The plethora of quests and collectables will keep you busy for several hours.
Imagine Earth is an enjoyable sci-fi strategy to play on the Switch. It also has a pretty simple economic system that is not too complex to get to grips with. Plus, the game offers high replay value, as you can try out the scenarios using different strategies, so there is lots of replayability for your cash. I can see myself returning often to play Imagine Earth on my Switch. If sci-fi strategy games are your thing, Imagine Earth is a game to consider purchasing and adding to your game library.
Tell Me Your Story is a heartwarming homage to our grandparents and their roles in our lives – by loving us and watching and helping us grow, telling us stories, and imparting us with life-learned lessons. This is a game that goes straight to my cozy go-to list of games, with the likes of Unpacking and Minami Lane to pick me up on a rainy day.