LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
The biggest surprise? I’m actually recommending a game about Smurfs. Whether you love or loathe the IP, there’s no denying The Smurfs – Dreams is a solid 3D platformer. While it borrows heavily from other games, there’s enough originality to make it worth checking out, especially for collectable platforming fans. The co-op mode adds to the appeal, making it a great option for playing with someone else. If you love platformers, I honestly recommend giving this a try, even if you’re not a Smurfs fan. I’m as surprised as anyone to say that! Still not convinced? Check out the free demo on the eShop.
Potionomics: Masterwork Edition combines creative mechanics with an engaging story. It’s a game that rewards thoughtful strategy, whether you’re perfecting a potion recipe, negotiating with a tough customer, or deciding which relationships to cultivate. The new features in the Masterwork Edition, like voice acting and Endless Mode, enhance an already great game, making this the definitive version.
The one downside I noticed while playing One S’more was not enough to keep me from falling in love with this weird little title. I love the little marshmallow man, I love the puzzles, the music, the look of the maps, the little train you get to ride back and forth between map sections, and the sound design. This game is so spot on for what it is trying to do, that I couldn’t give it anything but two thumbs up. If you enjoy these kinds of puzzle games and you like cute things, you have to get One S‘more. If the pun in the title doesn’t sell you after this review, I don’t know what will! Developers, you did an excellent job on this bug-free experience. I hope to see a lot more from you in the future!
I couldn’t get very far in Lunara: Planet IX. I have several hours in the game, and I haven’t really gotten anywhere. I was pretty disappointed with everything but the way it looks. It was so hard to get anywhere or do anything, and I couldn’t seem to get very far.
For me, Ahro resonates deeply. Perhaps that’s because of my personal connection to mental health, but I feel the developer accomplished exactly what they set out to do on what seems to be a modest budget. The gameplay won’t be for everyone; some will see it as repetitive and tedious. But if you take a step back, you may see more of the experience. Ahro is a game about facing the darkness head-on and finding a way to move forward, and it’s an experience that, for those willing to embrace its quiet beauty, can be profoundly moving.
Clutter Puzzle Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 2 Collector’s Edition, is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the number of puzzles that are jampacked into this gem of a game. The ability to tailor various aspects of gameplay is also a welcome addition.
Despite its early bugs and minor frustrations, Amber Isle delivers a charming, cosy simulation with a lot of heart. It’s easy to get swept up running your prehistoric shop and watching the island come back to life with a cast of dinosaurs that are cute and full of character. Though it still has some rough edges, Amber Isle manages to offer an experience that improves the more time you spend with it. With recent and future patches to smooth out the bugs, it has the potential to be a go-to game for anyone looking for a relaxing yet engaging simulation.
The Seed: Unit 7 didn’t grow on me the same as other mini-farming games. Although there is diversity in activity, with livestock farming, fishing and exploration, the cost of these made it uneconomical to help reach the end goal quickly. However, I enjoyed the challenge of finding a way to escape The Seed: Unit 7.
Riddle Tower is a game that has a lot of potential but I’m just not sure in it’s current form whether it is the game for me. If you’re relatively good at abstract maths puzzles then you’ll most likely have a better time than me, but for the amount of these puzzles and the lack of more hints, I’m just not sure this is the game for me.
Amelia’s Garden is a lovely escape into a world of quiet creativity and relaxation. Its combination of puzzle-solving, gardening, and small social elements makes for a gentle experience that’s easy to love. With its nice setting, art, and intuitive gameplay, this is the perfect game for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy a peaceful moment amidst the chaos of everyday life.
8-Bit Adventures 2 is easily my favourite RPG surprise of the year. Going in, I expected another formulaic RPG Maker project, but instead, I was met with a heartfelt plot and deep, engaging gameplay. I absolutely recommend this game for fans of the genre, but even newcomers will find it welcoming while still offering a satisfying challenge. If you’re looking for your next long-term game project, look no further.
There is a lot of breadth to Mars Base, from crafting to fighting, fishing to farming, and with it, some fantastic mini-games. Unfortunately, there isn’t the same amount of depth to the game – conversations soon get repetitive, and there are limited quests. That said, I had a really enjoyable time building my Mars Base.
MonCon is a unique game in the RPG genre and one which I think a lot of other social anxiety sufferers will be able to identify with. Joey is a loveable character, and the “friends” he makes along the way after realising that they aren’t monsters are all unique. I love the gameplay and the illustration style. The only letdown for me is the rhythm dynamic of defeating monsters. A great mechanic in theory, but let down by the timing issue. I hope this can be addressed in future updates, as this was the only negative for me.
Touhou Genso Wanderer – FORESIGHT – is a lovely jump-in point for both the Touhou Project and the roguelike genre, both of which are great things for the long-term prosperity of any franchise. While it’s not as in-depth as other Mystery Dungeon games, and though its anime plot of mikos and mystics versus the world may be pretty alien to anyone unfamiliar with the home franchise, it does well with what it has and keeps its focus on those new arrivals who don’t know all the decades-long interactions between these characters. While the price point is, in my opinion, a little steep for what you’re getting in terms of complexity and potential gameplay hours, I will say that’s not unusual for Mystery Dungeon-style games, either. A sale price and some curiosity about the genre make it a must-buy; a regular price means doing some research and thinking if you’ll enjoy a gently-paced introduction to a world that rarely welcomes outsiders. On the whole, I’m charmed with this game. For veterans annoyed with its comparative simplicity, it’s also succeeded at the most important duty of all: it made me curious about other games in the franchise. Now, that’s how you win.
Europa is a beautiful, reflective journey through a world that’s both familiar and alien. Its gentle atmosphere, combined with Zee’s fluid movement and exploration and a subtle environmental narrative, makes it a unique experience for players who appreciate games that prioritise discovery over action. While it may not appeal to those players seeking traditional adventure or puzzle mechanics, Europa stands out as a tranquil and rewarding experience for those willing to embrace its quiet charms. It was definitely worth the wait for development time: it’s a joy to take to the skies with Zee!
EcoGnomix is a refreshing take on the rogue-lite genre, successfully combining turn-based strategy with city building. It offers something new and different from other titles in this space, and its relaxed approach makes it perfect for players who aren’t fans of fast-paced, high-stakes gameplay but still want a rewarding challenge. Whether you’re looking for a quick game session or a longer playthrough, EcoGnomix is sure to keep you engaged.
Hidden in My Paradise adds something extra to the hidden object genre. Being able to move the objects around the scene to help find the items, re-creating snapshots and the ability to create your own levels makes for extended play.
Overall, I liked my time with The Crimson Diamond. I think it feels like a complete game with no bugs that I ran across. The story is interesting, and the puzzles are fun. However, some of the music and visual choices were not to my taste. If you like old-school text adventures, The Crimson Diamond may be just the thing for you. However, if you don’t like all the eccentricities of text adventures, I would avoid this one.
Necro Story is a twisted RPG that balances dark magic with humour and heart. Its witty dialogue and strategic combat combine to create an experience that sets it apart from other creature-collection RPGs. For players looking for a creature-collection RPG that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Necro Story is a good choice. Its blend of strategy, humour, and quirky charm makes it a unique addition to the genre.
Atari 50: The Wider World of Atari DLC is a fantastic addition to the Atari 50 collection. It delivers more of what made the original game such a standout: fascinating historical insights, a beautifully curated museum-like presentation, and, of course, more classic games. If you enjoyed your first trip through the digital halls of Atari history, this DLC offers a great excuse to jump back in. And for those discovering Atari 50 for the first time, The Wider World of Atari provides yet another reason to pick up the base game and experience one of the most comprehensive presentations of retro gaming ever made. While not everyone will find themselves captivated by the classic games on offer, after all, these titles are often simplistic by today’s standards, the historical value of the collection is undeniable. For retro gaming fans, this is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.