LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
Generally, with sequels, I prefer a title to build and add extra mechanics than what was present in the original title. However, I enjoyed my time with sCATch 2: The Painter Cat. I found the concept pretty unique for a casual puzzle game. I do think the game could benefit from a few more levels, maybe some extra unlock, when you complete all 40 puzzles, as I did complete the game within an hour. Additionally, some extra mechanics could certainly raise the enjoyment of the game such as blending colours. I think this could easily add an extra layer of dimension to the game. I could easily see the title taking around 1-3 hours to complete, depending on how determined you are to complete puzzles. If casual puzzle games interest you, I could recommend that you pick up sCATch 2: The Painter Cat. Additionally, the title is on sale until 19th January 2024 if you want to try the game, and you can pick it up here.
There is almost nothing to complain about with this game. Square Logic has a lot of polish, good music, fluid action, and a fun premise. The colors are (mostly) pleasing, and the look of it is gorgeous. It feels unique and original, and I really like puzzle games like this. You really can’t beat it for $2.99; I can’t wait to finish up all the puzzles for myself. That being said, the Dark Mode was a massive disappointment. I don’t think I would have noticed as much if this game hadn’t been as polished as it is, but Dark Mode just seems like an afterthought. Overall, though, Square Logic is incredibly fun, wonderfully put together, and just a great game. Not to mention a great deal for the number of puzzles you get. If you love block puzzles like Tetris or Woodoku, I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest Square Logic to you as well.
Pixsaw is a good game, but if it had more variety in the gameplay, so, for example, options to change the color or maybe the option to toggle off the colored outline where a shape fits, it might’ve been more engaging. Pixsaw might be alright to play some levels here and there. I do wish all-size puzzles were unlocked at the beginning. Still, it’s a nice and colorful puzzle game that can help you pass the time if you like this type of puzzle.
Overall, I enjoyed my time with Shape of Clouds. It could have done more, but it was an extremely peaceful, original, and fun little puzzle game. I like the feeling of watching all the pixels start to line up and trying to guess what they might look like when they come together. The kids and I really had a good time in spite of the music and the sound design and the little bugs here and there. Overall, Shape of Clouds is some amazing freeware that’s great for the whole family.
Harvest Havoc can be a hilariously busy and chaotic farm-themed battle royal. The servers are empty now, but you can connect with friends easily. I am always looking for good online games to play with friends around the globe, and Harvest Havoc fits the bill nicely.
Mimi the Cat – Meow Together is not the best Sokoban cat game I’ve played for LadiesGamers. I was kind of disappointed with this one; I feel like it wasn’t playtested at all. Or perhaps all the problems were on my end. Either way, I’m not sure I can formulate an opinion on it.
All in all, Fifteen is a decent, no-frills puzzle game based on an old classic. It’s suitable for all ages to play and will give you a few hours of entertainment. For the price of a cup of coffee, Fifteen could be the game for you.
Genius Moves! offers a few hours of charming logic puzzles. It’s nothing too special, nothing unseen, but if you like logic games and you are in the mood for some colorful coziness, Genius Moves! might be just the game for you.
Raccoo Venture is a good 3D platformer standing tall next to the games of the 90s it takes inspiration from. A channelling adventure with plenty of variety in gameplay that comes highly recommended to experienced platform players. However, its design may not suit the more casual crowd. Platforming and boss fights can be incredibly punishing in places far from the innocent graphical design it reflect. As for me, I welcomed the challenge, and despite my issues, I still enjoyed my time with the game. Another reason I liked it is the game made my son laugh hysterically. Something about the raccoon’s butt bounce had him in fits of giggles. Now, the game will be a cherished memory for me forever.
To sum up I did like Hammerwatch II but it’s not a game that’s going to work for everyone. I absolutely praise the developers for not simply copying the formula of the previous games and slapping an II on the box. But this is not a pick-up-and-play experience like the prior games. It took me several hours and 3 character restarts to wrap my head around things. But once the game finally clicked I did start to enjoy myself. Although the experience felt much more geared to co-op play. This steep learning curve will not work for everyone and I can see some players jumping out of the game out of sheer frustration. But if you can overcome this hurdle there is much fun and depth to discover with Hammerwatch II made all the more enjoyable if you can bring a friend along for the adventure.
Twistingo Hummingbird Haven Collector’s Edition is a nice mini-game collection that will entertain you for a few hours. While it doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking it still has all the ingredients to make it work. While I haven’t played the first game in the series, I did read Mina’s excellent review and it appears this game is quite similar if not identical to that game. If you enjoyed the first Twistingo, you might enjoy this one.
Overall, Railway Islands 2 – Puzzle is a minimalist game; the puzzles are fun while they last and offer a challenge. However, if you are looking for new mechanics in a puzzle game, you won’t find them here, as it doesn’t offer anything we haven’t seen in many puzzle games before
Zooplop certainly surprised me. The gameplay and the art style are straightforward, but the game is fun. It’s almost like cotton candy; no substance, but fun. I don’t see Zooplop having any replay value, and there isn’t much strategy to it; you mash animals together, after all, but it serves its primary function reasonably well: to entertain.
The latest game in the series, Hidden Cats in Santa’s Realm, follows through with the changes in the gameplay Hidden Cats in Rome brought to the series. Hidden Cats in Santa’s Realm doesn’t disappoint, and what’s more, comes at the perfect time for some Christmas-y fun. I can’t wait for the next one.
headbangers:Rhythm Royale is a positive and upbeat take on the battle royale formula, which I liked. I wasn’t very good at it, but I enjoyed its humorous pigeon presentation and family-friendly feel. Unlike several battle royale games, I appreciated the game currently has no battle pass, just DLC for cosmetic outfits. This is much more appealing to gamers like me who just want to dip in and out of the experience occasionally and not treat the game like a second job. Like many battle royale titles, the novelty of the experience wears off once you have repeated the same mini-games repeatedly. The game is currently on season 2 which gives the impression the developers are continuing to support it. As it stands now, it’s good. But time will tell if its fan base will last in a competitive genre.
Galaxy Bricks has a good idea for an arcade game, but its two design elements don’t combine to create an entertaining gameplay experience. In a different life, I know the difficulties with game development when you’re starting out, especially when you’re on your own. So, playing Galaxy Bricks took me back to the struggles I had creating my own game. I just don’t think this was ready to release on Steam. However, if you want to support a new game developer starting out, give it a look. Otherwise, this is an arcade experience you can easily pass on.
With excellent writing and a satisfying crafting loop, there’s plenty of time to be spent enjoying While the Iron’s Hot. It’s a nice option for passing the time between your other gaming adventures, though it may not stand well enough on its own to hold your attention as a must-have. If you don’t enjoy the puzzles and exploration as much as the crafting, you can take your time coming back to those parts as you’re in the mood.
House Flipper 2 is another solid addition to the line of up of weird, fun simulation titles. If you enjoy things like the original House Flipper, Powerwash Simulator, and such, you’ll love this one. House Flipper 2 was polished, had great sound and good animations, and all the quests were fun. My biggest complaint is that the game was too short, and I’m really looking forward to any DLC that will be released to add more items to decorate with.
Snowman Story, with its tale of kindness, regret and the warmth of friendship mixed with a few puzzles, will melt your heart and is a great game to curl up with by the fire any winter holiday season.
Suika Game is a cheap, fun, addictive little game with some of the most adorable faces ever before seen on fruit. It’s soothing to play, fun for the whole family, and a wonderful addition to any Nintendo Switch library. If you are looking for a goofy, last-minute gift or something to do with a Switch gift card, Suika Game is the best US $3 you can spend.