LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
Alex Hill: Whispers at White Oak Inn is a pretty good game. I am not a huge fan of the genre of mystery point-and-click games, but this one was actually pretty well done. I was surprised at how much of it I played through before remembering I was supposed to be doing a review! Overall, it was a good experience. While I think that those who are experts at this genre will find it a little too simple or easy, I think it’s still worth a play.
CraftCraft: Fantasy Merchant Simulator is a gorgeous visual novel fantasy RPG with crafting elements. Currently, the game feels brief, with approximately 4 hours of gameplay time required to complete the story. There is no endless mode, and some of the controls are slightly annoying. However, the game feels like a terrific fantasy novel, and the developers have been updating it since day one, so I have high hopes for how it will look in a couple of months. If you are in the mood for some light-hearted and cozy fantasy fun, give CraftCraft a chance, if not now, then in a few weeks.
Rise of Industry 2 didn’t quite land with me personally, but I can see it striking a chord with fans of complex management sims. If you enjoy games that reward patience, long-term planning, and fine-tuning every aspect of a system, there’s a lot here to enjoy. It’s not built for quick sessions or casual play, at least not at first, but it’s an impressive, detailed game with a unique style and ambition. For gamers with the time and interest to truly dig in, Rise of Industry 2 might just be your next great challenge.
There are some nice touches in Ashwood Valley: unlimited pockets are always welcome, and your little character happily runs around the valley, making exploring quick. However, the controls are unresponsive and slow to trigger, making the farming and animal management a tedious process. The main objective is too easy to complete, and then there is little to keep you truly engaged.
Nice Day for Fishing blends RPG mechanics with fishing in a way that feels both natural and refreshing. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet offers a surprisingly deep and rewarding experience. Whether you’re following the main story, upgrading your gear, or just hanging out by the water to see what you can catch, there’s a lot to love here. This is a game that understands the joy of quiet progression and mixes it with creative twists on genre expectations. If you’re looking for a unique RPG with heart, humor, and hooks (literally), this one’s worth casting a line for.
Marvelous totally changed direction, and I can say I love it. They kept the essence of farming, exploring, and romance and put a new twist on all of it. Adding a management element into the mix by taking care of various villages and workers is brilliant; it takes away what can ultimately become a tedious chore. To me, the fighting is more difficult, but then I’m never a big fan of action fighting. But by adding story mode, it is very much doable. There really is so much to tell about Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, I could fill many pages detailing all there is to do in the game. For now, though, I’ll add my verdict to this review.
I liked Trash Goblin in its Early Access version. There were some things to iron out, but it had a lot of promise and potential. I am happy to report that the full version more than lives up to that potential. Trash Goblin is a delightfully relaxing and cozy puzzle game; if you enjoy the genre, I recommend trying it – you’ll love it.
I played the demo of Spray Paint Simulator a few months back, and the game has been on my wishlist ever since. I am happy to report that it was worth the wait, and I can only hope that the developers will release many DLCs for this game. If you enjoy meditative painting and washing games, you’ll love Spray Paint Simulator as well!
Spirit of the North 2 is a warm, peaceful game ideal for those who want to explore, solve puzzles, and soak in beautiful visuals, all without a single sword swing. It’s not flawless: bugs, optimisation issues, and an occasionally frustrating platforming system hold it back from greatness. But if you love animals, especially foxes, and enjoy games that value tranquillity over tension, this is a lovely journey well worth your time. The moments where you’re dashing across an open field with your raven friend under a golden sky are nothing short of magical.
Starlight Legacy is a brief but charming throwback to the earliest years of Final Fantasy, with a competent story, familiar gameplay, and a visual style that reminds us why we can’t quit our love of pixelated games. At roughly ten hours of gameplay, it never has a chance to hit a long stride, but it’s a pleasant bite of game for someone looking for a wind-down after this year’s glut of long-play classic JRPGs. The game is also another great reminder that indie developers are out there doing their best for the love of the game. When it shines through, maybe it still can’t out-gleam the professional classics, but it’s proof that there’s still a lot to this nostalgic genre to love.
Heave Away Haul Away is a charming little game that is a delight for fans of the Sokoban genre. The seafaring portion of the game is also great, and if you are bad at Sokoban-type puzzles, you will at least like the sea adventures.
Cattle Country is a rootin’-tootin’ addition to the farming/life sim genre. There are a few issues which need taming, especially around the loading times on the Nintendo Switch. However, there is so much to do in Cattle Country! Engaging festivals and mini-games, intriguing character stories and one of the best mining experiences I’ve encountered. Cattle Country will be riding into my top games for this year!
Coloring Cats: Sports with Friends is the kind of game you can come back to for just a few minutes or get lost in for a cozy afternoon. It’s ideal for when you need something gentle, repetitive in the best way, and wonderfully low-stress. It has the Mens Sana Interactive signature characters and thoughtful additions like the playlist. You really get a lot for your money! Although the game does work on the Steam Deck, it is better played using a mouse. Or maybe, in future, on the Nintendo Switch?
Doors & Loot has its share of rough edges, most notably its underwhelming controller support and limited combat feedback, but when played with a mouse and keyboard, it becomes a much more enjoyable experience. The core loop of exploring, looting, and upgrading offers enough satisfaction to keep you coming back for another run, especially in short bursts. It’s not going to blow anyone away, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes, a simple dungeon crawler with a solid progression loop is enough. With a bit more polish, Doors & Loot could be something great. As it stands, it’s a charming and worthwhile indie that’s definitely worth trying, just steer clear of the controller and play it the way it clearly wants to be played. A free demo is available on Steam.
Cubic Odyssey surprised me. It’s one of those games that sneaks up on you; the more you play, the more it draws you in. Between the solid sci-fi theme, satisfying progression, and blend of structure and freedom, it delivers an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. If you’ve never been into crafting games, this might be your gateway. If you’re already a fan of the genre, there’s more than enough depth and novelty to keep you engaged. And with co-op in place and ongoing updates likely, it’s only going to get better from here. Whether you’re after a solo adventure or a shared sandbox with friends, Cubic Odyssey is a stellar time sink in the best way possible. A free demo is also available on Steam
Trident’s Tale is filled with strong ideas and pirate charm, but it’s not ready for prime time, at least not on Nintendo Switch. The technical issues are too glaring to ignore, from the blurry textures to the frame drops and janky animations. If a few substantial patches come down the line, or if the game sees a better-optimised release on other platforms or a potential Switch 2, this could become the fun, breezy adventure it clearly wants to be. Until then, consider holding off or checking it out elsewhere if possible. There’s a good game under the surface, but right now it’s buried under too many waves of performance problems.
If you liked The Secret Salami, you will love Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping. If you haven’t played The Secret Salami yet, play that one first. This one picks up with the story from the end of the previous one, so there are some characters you won’t know unless you finished the first one. I was super sad when Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping ended; I think this episode was too short. But other than that, I had no issues with this beautiful, funny, adorable game from a developer I already loved deeply. Excellent work once again.
Devoted to a cozy, play at your pace style and supported by a well-planned and executed story featuring some great characters, Palia enters its first major expansion with the strength necessary to give it a long-term boost. The ever-expanding world is a joy to explore, and the new Elderwood region is large, intricate, and full of neat little nooks where one can find platforms for goodies and shortcuts, all to further the understanding of the world of Palia’s lost history. There are plenty of skills to master, but it never feels overwhelming. Improving your toolkit is up to you, naturally paced by how much you’re willing to putter around with the skill to do some other thing you decided you wanted. The social aspect is no afterthought, walking a careful line of interactivity that allows the world to feel alive without stressing the less social of us into situations that absolutely require us to be outgoing (aaaaaaaugh). Palia hits a blend of tone and style I didn’t realize I was looking for, adding the home customization of Animal Crossing and Disney Dreamlight Valley to a story I found both fresh and comfortingly familiar at regular intervals. In a time of heavy stress, it’s soft, it’s pleasant, and it offers nifty mysteries to think about. It’s a world that’s going to continue to earn regular visits from me as it continues to grow, and I truly hope I’ll see you there.
Just a Little Purr suit is a simple game, but still a lot of fun. What’s more, it’s cute and charmingly cheerful. It is perfect for short bursts of gaming, in-between other more stressful things
Sunseed Island is a bright, colourful and delightful mini farming simulation. I thoroughly enjoyed helping Purrpy explore the islands and restore the Tree of Life.