LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
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.
All the feedback above aside, 9 R.I.P. has a special place in my heart. It has been a little while since I played another otome game, and this game lit my fire for it once again. I think fall and Halloween are the perfect moments to play this game and really embrace the ghost romance stories. Everyone has a storyline for them in the game due to the many realms we play in. 9 R.I.P. feels like it has multiple games rolled into one
Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is another fun addition to an already great series of games. The characters and the world of Trine are familiar, yet they always find new ways to engage us, and I hope we see more from the world of Trine.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a fantastic entry in the Zelda series, offering a refreshing shift in focus by putting Princess Zelda in the lead role. The game’s creative new mechanics, engaging puzzles, and the ever-expansive world of Hyrule make it a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. While it retains the magic and spirit of previous Zelda titles, Echoes of Wisdom stands out as a unique and innovative chapter in the franchise.
Train Yard Builder is a relaxing simulation game that celebrates the joy of building and creativity. With its range of customisation options, missions, and open-ended sandbox mode, it offers something for both dedicated railway enthusiasts and newcomers to the hobby. If you have always wanted to get into model railways but couldn’t afford the kit, then Train Yard Builder might be a good replacement for you. While the game might not push technical boundaries, its charm lies in the satisfaction of crafting something detailed and personal. If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own model train diorama, Train Yard Builder is well worth your time.
Dreamland Farm is a basic but pleasant farming simulation. At times, it can be a bit too slow, waiting for rocks or trees to appear, but overall it’s an enjoyable game to while away a few hours.
Samurai Kento is an average but enjoyable action-adventure game. While its premise of an elder samurai protagonist is unique, the gameplay doesn’t introduce anything particularly new or groundbreaking. That being said, the game has a certain charm, and I found myself developing a soft spot for it despite its flaws. Perhaps this stems from an appreciation for the developer’s effort and passion, which is evident in the final product. It’s clear that Samurai Kento was crafted with care, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark. For its modest price, Samurai Kento is more than worth the cost of admission, especially if you’re looking for a simple, quick game to play over a weekend. Just be sure to temper your expectations and enjoy the ride for what it is: a short, straightforward adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Twistingo: Blue Moon Collector’s Edition is a pleasant addition to the Twistingo games. While it’s nowhere near groundbreaking, it offers a few hours of casual fun for fans of the hidden object games.
The Puzzle Maker: Cebba’s Odyssey is the kind of puzzle game that’s going to seem intimately familiar at first, but a depth of puzzle craft and detail makes it into something all its own. At first glance, it’s easy to see a little of Fire Emblem inside the game, with its variety of unique pixel art units and movements. After a little fussing, you’ll probably also think of Into the Breach, where the order of operations as you start your turn makes the difference between victory and defeat. But Cebba quickly takes over its own niche, and it does so well enough that it can become something fresh for dedicated puzzle fans to chew on. The only ‘quibble’ is that, wow, these puzzles begin to escalate in a way that hyper-focused minds might start to feel genuinely overwhelmed by midgame. But the game is also untimed and chill about letting you figure it out at your own speed, mitigating the issue well. I’ll also say that I didn’t fuss with the make-your-own puzzle portion of the game, as it’s purely optional, and I am Bad At Such Things. I will say that the same controls work well there, and wiser minds than mine might enjoy the option!
The Plucky Squire is more than just a clever idea; it’s a well-executed and enjoyable adventure. While its combat may feel a bit familiar, straightforward, and easy, the puzzle mechanics and seamless integration of 2D and 3D gameplay make this a standout experience. The story, characters, and art style are endearing, pulling you into a magical world that constantly surprises and delights; I played the game with a constant smile on my face. It’s the kind of game that reminds you of the magic of childhood storybooks while offering modern, innovative gameplay.
Elsie is an excellent action roguelike that deserves the attention of any fan of the genre. Its tight controls, flexible gameplay mechanics, and addictive progression system make for a highly enjoyable experience. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it executes its familiar formula with enough polish and flair to keep players engaged. The game’s only real drawback is its adherence to the well-trodden path of the action roguelike genre. If you’ve already played your fair share of these games, Elsie might not offer anything new enough to rekindle your enthusiasm. However, if you’re still hungry for more roguelike action, or if this is your first time exploring the genre, Elsie is well worth your time.
Worlds of Aria does a brilliant job of recreating the tabletop RPG experience while maintaining its own personality. It’s an enjoyable game on your own, but it becomes absolutely fantastic when shared with friends. With simple mechanics and accessible gameplay, it’s easy for players of all skill levels to jump in and have fun. What really sets Worlds of Aria apart is its ability to make even failure fun. Whether you’re succeeding or stumbling through challenges, there are always laughs and memorable moments to be had. The game’s charm, coupled with its tabletop-inspired mechanics, makes it a must-play, especially if you have friends or family to join in.