LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
Reindeer Story is the sort of game meant for people who enjoy very old-school RPGs and who want to support new developers who put a lot of very visible effort into something they genuinely care about doing. It’s far from a perfect game; its deliberate archaicness is going to make it feel sluggish and even difficult for some newer gamers, and there are occasional minor errors like misspelt or badly wrapped text. In the game’s defence, I remember professionally distributed NES and SNES games having these issues, too, so I don’t consider these big flaws. The game’s biggest draw is its charming story, which starts from some familiar but copyright-safe origins and then begins to spread into the sillier mythos of Christmas. Fans of the equally cornball Zeboyd games (Cthulhu Saves the World, etc.) are probably the best base from which to support developer Azzie in whatever project they’re ready to tackle next. And I do hope they keep going. Available at a budget price on Steam and filled with plenty to do, it’s not a game I can easily recommend to a casual cozy gamer. But for those willing to share some Christmas spirit and slice off a whack of some actually pretty tasty fruitcake, I hope you give it a visit. It’s a little funky, but I can’t help but admire its charm.
Playing Garden of the Sea makes me happy. The combination of crafting, exploring, cultivating and puzzle-solving strikes the perfect balance and encourages the next step. Completing the main story is just the start, as you can then trade and decorate, design and create the perfect environment to chill out and relax in, with all the adorable creatures. There are just a few too many glitches to give Garden of the Sea our highest rating, but if you can cope with a first-person view, I would definitely recommend this cosy and wholesome game.
Gridlink is a fun, relaxing puzzle game that is free-to-play and a ton of fun. There’s literally no reason not to play it. It’s a perfect way to wind down. I think the only thing I really want from Gridlink is a mobile version. I didn’t see one, so I don’t think one exists, but that would be a super fun way to play it. I really like how intuitive and easy it is to get started. Even the hardest of the puzzles don’t feel impossible; they are just challenging. My biggest complaint is how long it took me to notice there actually was a Dark Mode in the menu, which is not the dev’s fault at all, trust me. I can’t recommend this simple puzzle game enough; if you like puzzles, go and download Gridlink right now.
Core Keeper may not reinvent the survival genre, but it certainly adds its own charm and sense of wonder to it. The game succeeds in creating an atmosphere of exploration and discovery, allowing players to choose their path and take on the challenges of the caves at their own pace. It’s a title that respects your time, offering as much depth as you’re willing to invest, whether you’re a casual player looking for a relaxing escape or a survival enthusiast seeking a challenge. If crafting games isn’t your cup of tea, Core Keeper likely won’t change your mind. However, for those who enjoy gathering resources, building bases, and venturing into the unknown, this game is well worth a spot in your Switch library. Whether you tackle the game solo or team up with friends, Core Keeper offers enough content to keep you occupied for many weekends. It’s a game that encourages you to dig deeper, explore farther, and build smarter, turning every session into a unique journey. For fans of the genre, this is one game you’ll want to dig into on the Nintendo eShop.
Overall, Hidden Cats Invade Venice is a simple, fun, and very well-made addition to the hidden animal genre of games I have seen a ton of over the last few years. It’s pleasant, cute, and challenging, but it has a great hint system to get you out of trouble if you can’t finish a level. In other words, it’s everything I want from this type of game. Hidden Cats Invade Venice is basically perfect, and I had trouble coming up with even one thing I didn’t like about it. If you enjoy hidden-cat games, it’s the perfect addition to your collection
If you are in the mood for something really (really!) short or on the hunt for easy Steam achievements- 100 Hidden Cats: Kitty House might be the game for you.
While Pawsome Hidden Cats: Kittynawa doesn’t offer anything genuinely new and spectacular to the genre, it’s still a fun and cozy game to play, especially with the colder months coming. Gemcraft Games, keep them coming!
Orange Season has a wide range of produce, some interesting livestock options, and different types of festivals to similar games in the genre. However, I was disappointed in the overall balance, with no long term plan to keep me playing. I really wanted to like the game and find out what was going on in Orange Town. However, once the coop is out of order, it is impossible to complete some of the tasks, and for that reason, I can’t recommend it.
Initially, I really enjoyed playing Tiny Little Farm. The music was relaxing, and although the quests were challenging, they were achievable with perseverance. Unfortunately, though, I can’t recommend it at this point. The unpredictable vanishing trees, compounded by the fact that you can’t replant them, means that playthroughs could be impossible to complete. I hope the developers can correct the issue, as there is a great little game hiding in the undergrowth of the Tiny Little Farm.
Even for a single dollar, I don’t think 100 Hidden Cats: Pirates is worth it. It’s just kind of boring; if you do have some little ones at home that like pirates and cats, they might be horrified by the fact that every single cat is obviously in danger. I can’t really recommend this to anyone.
Teeny Tiny Town is a beautiful game that is surprisingly addictive. It’s well made, offers lots of different themes, and is the favourite game I have played in the merging genre.
Fruitbus is a lot of fun. It has fun characters, great animations, funny moments, and an overall heartwarming tale. The first two islands, which I have traipsed from one end to the other, are filled with characters, interesting things, and weird new fruit salad combinations. If you like simulation titles with heart, I cannot recommend Fruitbus enough. It’s got a few bugs, but it seems like the developers are really on point with trying to make the game as good as it can be. It’s fun; the gameplay does get a little repetitive after a while, but overall, Fruitbus is the most I’ve ever had with a blender and a bunch of veggies.
Ys X: Nordics is yet another fantastic entry in the long-running Ys series and a welcome addition to any Switch library. The story, while occasionally slow, offers a solid narrative with enjoyable character development, particularly for Karja. However, it’s the fast-paced battles, seamless exploration, and the new ship mechanics that truly make this entry stand out. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking to dive into a new action RPG, Ys X: Nordics has something to offer. If you’re looking for an exciting adventure with engaging combat and exploration, don’t let this one pass you by.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World may feel very familiar to longtime fans of the platforming genre, but it offers a polished and enjoyable experience. The variety in platforming mechanics, along with engaging boss battles, make for a fun time. With difficulty options, the game is Z accessible to both experienced players and newcomers. And if you can bring a loved one along for local co-op, it only enhances the experience, much like the cheerful outlook of the game’s main characters.
Alchemist: The Potion Monger is a big game with an innovative potion-making system that is very challenging to figure out. It’s colorful, has decent sound design, has a lot of NPCs, and has a whole bunch of quests. The world is huge, and you have to fight stuff out in the wild with a combat system that doesn’t feel great. Overall, Alchemist: The Potion Monger is pretty fun. The world is huge but kind of empty. There is a lot that is good about it, but some things I think will not sit well with some people. However, I do think that Alchemist: The Potion Monger is worth the price. It’s cute, it’s colorful, it’s fun, it’s cozy, but it is a little bit of a pain to figure out. If you like sprawling games with a lot to do and fun little quests that are pretty chill, there are far worse games you could pick up than Alchemist: The Potion Monger.
Truly, I hadn’t expected to like Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town as much as I do. I was never a big fan of the little boy when my daughter wanted to watch the anime many years ago, so I was a bit sceptical. But I have really warmed up to him, even though he is still a strange little boy. The game is full of details, little adventures and bigger mysteries. Some of the interactions made me smile, and I was never left frustrated or in a rush. I took my time uncovering it all, and it was a grand journey. This is a serious contender for my Game of the Year 2024! Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is not for gamers who want to be bowled over by fast-paced action or striving for bigger and better goals. Instead, this is a game to curl up with on the couch and see Shin chan’s world with a kind of childlike wonder. If you want to know more about this game, don’t miss our interview with Akira Nagashima, the producer of the game.
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.