LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
Gimmick! 2 is everything a sequel to the original classic should be. It takes the core elements that made the first game special and builds on them with refined graphics, improved level design, and a charming presentation that outshines the original in every way. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel or introduce groundbreaking new ideas, it does what it sets out to do exceptionally well. This is an easy recommendation for fans of retro platformers, and I’d even go as far as to recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good gaming experience.
In the end, Shadow of the Ninja Reborn is a game that knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s a love letter to the challenging, no-nonsense games of the NES era, complete with all the frustrations and triumphs that come with that territory. The beautiful new graphics and satisfying ninja action make it a pleasure to look at and play, at least for those who have the patience to see it through. However, it’s not without its flaws. The controls could have been modernized, particularly when it comes to the more complex ninja moves, and the decision to force players to manage items in real-time during combat feels like an unnecessary nod to retro difficulty. A younger version of myself, with more time and patience, would have adored this game and relished the challenge of mastering its every nuance. But as I’ve grown older, I find myself with less tolerance for games that demand such a high level of dedication. That said, I still appreciate what the developers have achieved here, and I believe that retro purists will love this game for its authenticity and challenge. Casual players, however, might want to think twice before diving in.
Baimason’s Thing Finder Puzzle is a delightful little game that truly shines. You can tell that a great deal of care and passion went into its creation. In my opinion, it surpasses all other games of its kind. It’s a true work of art in the hidden object genre. I can’t wait to relax with a cup of tea and immerse myself in more of this true masterpiece
Hidden Cat Memories is another pleasant addition to the hidden cats genre, providing enough content to keep you busy.
WitchSpring R isn’t just a solid JRPG for fans looking for a new title; it’s a great choice for someone’s first foray into the genre. With a well-paced series of tutorials and new options fed at a pace easy enough for anyone to comprehend, it’s also a game that’s not looking to make itself difficult for you. The plot may be simple, but it’s also adorably presented, bracketed by flourishes that are intriguing and inventive without simply being dark. In fact, it’s a game that feels like it’s saying that the past, while hard to forget, can be overcome by kindness and understanding. Pieberry is a good kid, and while she does have choices ahead of her, it’s easy to want to nurture her innocence and charm. It’s a game that’s a great fit for the Switch and a definite no-brainer for anyone looking for a classic turn-based joy ride.
Horticular is the spiritual follow-up to Viva Piñata cozy gamers have been craving for years. While its style isn’t as modern or as polished as some would like, it’s hard to deny the charm of this pixelated wonderland. Its controls are simple and intuitive, and new wrinkles to the gameplay are added at a pace quick enough to keep you interested but without overwhelming you. It’s also a game that wants you to take your time with it, giving you plenty of reasons to slow down, plant the flowers you want to sniff, and just hang around and admire what you made for a while before jumping off to your next chosen goal. It’s a game that’s received a shockingly low amount of coverage, and I’m hoping that more reviews like this one will help it reach the audience it deserves
Tales from Toyotoki: Arrival of the Witch is a beautiful coming-of-age story in its own right, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a beautiful visual novel that will leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Unfortunately, so as not to divulge spoilers, I’ve had to leave some parts deliberately vague, but go and check this out. You will not be disappointed.
Sunset Hills is a charming and cozy adventure that takes us on a train trip around the world, with memories, people, and stories to discover. If you like adventure games and train trips, you’ll love this game as much as I did.
Treasure Journey is okay. Not amazing, but there’s fun to be found. Navigating through the islands, you’ll find yourself immersed in a variety of clever puzzles that require both strategy and patience. The simplicity of the graphics doesn’t detract from the enjoyment; instead, it allows you to focus on the satisfying challenge of solving each puzzle. Treasure Journey proves that sometimes, a good puzzle and a touch of adventure are all you need for a delightful gaming experience.
Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a short adventure, about flying around on a broomstick, delivering parcels. At times, I found controlling the broomstick a bit frustrating, and this did impact on my overall enjoyment. However, the scenery is great, with bright colours and a diverse landscape, and the ability to see all of this from the air enhances the experience.
Hidden Cats in Jigsaw Puzzle is a fun addition to the series. If you like puzzles and the artwork of the original games, you’ll like this one as well.
Castaway may be short and may not bring much new to the table in terms of gameplay, but it has a lot of charm. From its nostalgic pixel design to its variety of difficulty settings, Castaway offers a pleasant gaming experience perfect for a warm summer weekend. Whether you’re playing alone or sharing the game with a younger player, the adventure feels worthwhile despite its brevity. Here’s hoping the game finds an audience so we can see more from this developer in the future.
Just Crow Things is another fantastic effort from Unbound Creations. The controls are easy to pick up, making the game accessible to all ages, and the overall experience is a sheer joy to play. Whether you’re soaring through the sky or causing crow-style chaos, the game keeps you entertained from start to finish. It’s worth noting that the casual nature of the gameplay might not appeal to everyone, particularly those looking for a more challenging experience. However, this is a game designed to be fun, to make you laugh, and maybe even to share that experience with a loved one. I’m incredibly happy with the time I spent playing Just Crow Things, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted, uplifting game.
Not knowing what to expect and then finding a gem is the best feeling for me. Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is the perfect game to bring back memories of the lazy summer days of my youth when the vacation seemed to stretch endlessly with little adventures and good friends. Exploration is what makes this game great for me; there is so much to discover. The visuals, voice acting and sounds make this a very immersive adventure. And with the DLC already available, I can extend my adventure even more!
Elrentaros Wanderings commits the only gaming sin I can’t forgive: It makes me sad to play it. There’s still life in the character’s art styles, and there’s the glimmer of something here for those who liked niche but crocs-and-lattes basic ARPGS like Heroes of Ruin or that 3DS Phantasy Star game that also left me depressed. But the results are limp, and the colors run together into a generic anime mush. I’m not going to give this game our worst score; it runs well, and as I say, it will find a few players who wanted something like the equally streamlined Snack World, without its particular twee nonsense. But as a full-price game with a pedigree that used to bring hope and cheer to its audience, I am genuinely disappointed with the results. A little research will bring up some Japanese discussions for its original release, and I’m only slightly heartened to see I’m not the only person with similar complaints. Thus, I’m not sure I can recommend it with a fair heart, unless you are really hankering for a no-frills mobile-style ARPG. Certainly not at full price. Friends, Rune Factory 5 was a chunky step back from the franchise’s heights. Buy it’s on sale anyway, to remind HAKAMA that we still hope for more from them… as long as it’s not this.
Gourdlets is a perfect game for anyone looking to unwind and tap into their creative side. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the freedom it offers to players. If you’re in the mood for a stress-free, feel-good game that allows you to create and relax at your own pace, Gourdlets is definitely worth your time. Whether you are playing it in full screen or letting the gourdlets keep you company in idle mode, this game is all about the feel-good vibes
Dice & Fold is extremely addictive. I mostly played the game on Steam Deck, where I could use the touch screen to drag and drop dice. I picked this game up expecting a run-of-the-mill roguelike, but before I knew it, 10 hours had passed, and my hair was more grey. The graphics may be a bit bland, but Dice & Fold absolutely nails its gameplay. Easily one of the best roguelikes I’ve played this year. Highly recommended.
Sam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse is a beautiful conclusion to a fun and classic point-and-click trilogy. If you are a fan of the games, you’ll love this one. If this is the first Sam & Max game you try, you might also pick up the others.
The Star Named EOS is a short but memorable point-and-click adventure full of emotions and hope. I can’t wait to see what its developers will create next.
Overall, I like Guayota. The game takes a different approach by drawing on lesser-known mythology and offering an experimental style of puzzle-solving that is incredibly rewarding, especially when you have the space to take in the level and figure things out on your own. What didn’t click for me was the aggressive use of traps and hazards, which detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, while the dark cave settings contribute to the game’s atmosphere, they can sometimes make it difficult to see what you’re doing. Despite these issues, Guayota is well worth trying if you’re open to something new and different and enjoy puzzle games. It may not be perfect, but its unique approach and rewarding gameplay make it a standout in the puzzle genre. A free demo is available on the Nintendo eShop if you want to try it out.