LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
Though I seem harsh on Cavern of Dreams in places, I feel this game absolutely achieves what it sets out to do. It is a throwback collectable platformer that feels just like the N64 era of gaming, only at a much cheaper price point. With its focus on exploration, puzzle solving and no combat, it does make it feel familiar but unique compared to other N64 platformers. The question for you will be, is that an era you want to return to? This is a game that doesn’t hold your hand and leaves you to figure things out for yourself. But at the same time, you do get to play an adorable red dragon. But if you’re looking for a more Zen-like casual experience, this might not be for you. For me, Cavern of Dreams brought me to the conclusion that I am getting old and that my tolerance for games of this design is not as strong as it once was. But I still appreciate what it’s achieved.
Despite its simplicity, Tricky Taps: Complete Edition has enough variety and a well-crafted design to provide a quick, enjoyable gaming experience. It’s a great game for those moments when you have a coffee or tea break and want something to pick up and play.
In Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story, there’s always a task to tackle, keeping gameplay engaging with constant goals and amusing conversations. Although it relies heavily on fetch quests, Bandle Tale’s progression layers and delightful dialogue guarantee it stays captivating and cosy throughout.
Spear Master recaptures the pick-up-and-play arcade spirit but doesn’t bring much new to those who are familiar with the formula. What it does well. Solid controls, easy-to-pick-up gameplay and a surprisingly touching story. But I honestly was left wanting more. For its low price point, I think this is well worth considering if you want a simple arcade experience alone while waiting for the train. But equally, it may make a pretty good game night game with a group of loved ones. Certainly, give it a look and remember to be careful with sharp objects.
Aqua Pals is a cute little sim with some heart but a whole lot of problems. I like where it is going, but it feels like it is not quite there yet. That being said, I hope to see some updates from this title soon.
Overall, Jusant is a wonderful experience and a climb well worth starting if you’re looking for a short but engaging adventure. Unlike many games in this genre, Jusant’s traversal of the environment feels unique. Its climbing mechanics are so engaging I had just as much fun exploring the world and taking in the experience as feeling the need to seek out collectables. This is DON’T NOD bringing their A game. Successfully conveying an emotional story by saying very little. When I finally reached the top of the mountain, I was not disappointed, and hopefully, you won’t be either.
There are two conditions for someone to enjoy Piczle Cross: Story of Seasons. First, you have to like nonogram puzzles. Second, it helps if you are a fan of Story of Seasons. If these conditions apply to you, as they do for me, you can’t get a better nonogram puzzle experience than in Piczle Cross: Story of Seasons.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s simplicity makes it perfect for quick gaming sessions during quiet moments. Plus, with the new 2-Player mode, you can enjoy the fun with a friend. It’s well-designed, and the different mechanics and level themes keep it from getting boring. Even though it’s not trying to do too much, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is still a charming game that offers a break from more complicated puzzles, a throwback to simpler times and a joy to play.
The Lost Legends of Redwall: Feasts & Friends has such potential and tells an interesting tale. Although I haven’t read the entire series, I do have the first book and have looked forward to seeing the world of Lilygrove for myself. The visuals are enchanting, the background music is great, and the characters you cook for are the stars of the show.
The Lost Legends of Redwall: The Scout Anthology delivers an engaging adventure set in the world of Redwall. Despite minor issues, such as misleading optional quests and occasional technical glitches I encountered, the game’s storytelling has beautifully illustrated cutscenes and an enchanting soundtrack. While players prone to motion sickness should be cautious due to the camera positioning, overall, it should appeal to fans of the Redwall universe and newcomers alike.
qomp2 is a pretty good puzzle adventure. The simple controls certainly make for an enjoyable experience that puzzle fans will enjoy in small bursts, maybe after a long day at work or before bed. I’ll be honest: the gameplay didn’t fully click for me. I often found it frustrating to get my ball to head just the right way, and while the gameplay has that Zen-like feel to it, I found the quick deaths quite frustrating towards the end of the game. I did, however, like the reworking of the Pong formula and creating an entire game from the simple concept of a ball escaping. All in all, Qomp2 is a unique puzzler, and any game that attempts something original is good in my book.
Please, Touch The Artwork 2 offers unique and engaging gameplay with the challenge of a hidden object puzzle game. With its seamless integration of gaming and art appreciation, Please, Touch The Artwork 2 shows the creativity that can be found between gaming and the art world, and developer Thomas Waterzooi’s love of the arts shines through in the gameplay.
Animated Jigsaw Puzzles is a classic-style jigsaw puzzles with a twist. Instead of a stationary picture, we get an animated one. You have to be a fan of the jigsaw genre. If you’re not all the little similar colored pieces can be a challenge. It’s a good game that can quickly suck you in for a few hours.
Although I’ve told you how good Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II is, I do want to say that while I loved exploring a new genre in the VN world, I don’t think that this will become my new favourite genre. Playing the game at night was difficult as my “scared” emotion would be triggered in the dark. If this is something you feel that you can handle, then pick Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II. It’s a great game on many levels.
Fit My Cat is a visually charming game which would be perfect for a cat lover. The controls to select a cat felt unresponsive and became frustrating, which hindered my interest in the game. Fit My Cat isn’t a particularly difficult game, but it is probably more suited for younger gamers with an interest in visual puzzles and cats. A cheaper title within the Switch’s game library, it could pass a couple of hours of an afternoon. If you want a less intense puzzle game, you can pick up Fit My Cat here.
Solitaire Quest: Garden Story is a fun game for Solitaire fans. The story is nothing special, but it does give the game some contextuality and explains the need to upgrade the garden. That’s common for games like this one. The star of the game is, without a doubt, the artwork; it’s cosy and beautiful. It’s more appealing than the green backgrounds of the usual solitaire games. If you like solitaire, Solitaire Quest: Garden Story offers more than enough quality and quantity for its price.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is one of my favorite games from the last few years. It’s dynamic and colorful; it has a story and heart. It makes you think and care about its characters and story. The only thing I don’t like about this game is that it still has no sequel.
Promenade successfully recaptures that additive collectable gameplay in 2D form. Once I started collecting, I just found I couldn’t stop. The game may borrow ideas from other platformers. I feel it certainly adds enough personality to stand on its own. This is thanks to varied level design and its charming graphical design. Promenade falls a little short in some areas. Controls can be unforgiving in some of the tougher platform segments, and some of the ideas introduced in the game, like stealth, don’t always click. But despite these flaws, I found myself eager to explore the levels, finding as many cogs as I could. I highly recommend Promenade to any platforming fan or those looking for a positive gaming experience.
God of Light: Remastered offers an enjoyable puzzle adventure for players seeking an illuminating experience on the Nintendo Switch. If you’re a fan of relaxing yet challenging physics puzzlers, you will probably enjoy God of Light: Remastered. However, bear in mind this is a game that costs £1.99 on the Apple App Store with touch controls versus the same game on the Nintendo Switch minus touchscreen controls. The choice is yours, of course, but I know which system I’d play it on.
Dead end Exit 8 is a beautiful, polished attempt at a find-the-difference horror game. It’s atmospheric and creepy and combines two of my favourite genres of modern horror games: find-the-difference and liminal, repeating space horrors. That being said, it’s far too short; it needs a lot more levels and more difficulty in some of those levels. There’s nothing wrong with the starting level being easy to ease you into it, but when it’s the only level of the game, that’s a big disappointment. Overall, I am really looking forward to more from this amazing indie.