LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
As I mentioned up top, I’m not usually a huge fan of building sims. The majority of the genre is focused around warring your neighbors and feel a lot more like RTS games than sims sometimes. However, Foundation is a cozier version of the genre, and I love everything about it. It’s cute, it’s got a great tutorial, amazing atmosphere, colorful and beautiful graphics, good sound design, and a whole lot more. I can definitely recommend this to anyone, even if you’ve never played this kind of game before
What starts as a seemingly standard Mega Man-inspired platformer quickly reveals itself to be a charming and enjoyable surprise. With its varied gameplay, creative character abilities, and clever level design, Basureroes: Invasion manages to rise above its familiar influences. The addition of co-op play and alternate game modes adds even more replayability, making it a game that’s easy to recommend. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers a polished and fun experience that fans of retro platformers will appreciate. Whether you’re tackling levels solo or with friends, there’s plenty here to enjoy.
Defender’s Quest 2: Mists of Ruin is going to offer up some happy times to people who’ve been wanting more of this particular franchise’s jaunty style and accessible RPG/defense gameplay. I also believe this game is a good option for new players, with some familiar bits from other genres — I really like the skill trees, for some reason — and a pause function that also allows you to catch your breath, move tactically, and even aim your ship’s weapons. That removes a lot of stress from real time gaming. While my review copy did have some issues, they were disclosed up front and I’m confident in this developer’s ability to go after any big problems swiftly enough that most people aren’t going to know they were ever present. And with an interesting story featuring some genuinely great characters, there’s more than enough reason to give Defender’s Quest 2: Mists of Ruin a good, solid try even if you’re not normally a tower defense fan. A pleasant surprise, and a great way to zone out from the world for a little while.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a wonderful combination of building friendships, questing, exploring, and collecting, all set in a bright and colourful world. I wasn’t sure if the Hello Kitty cuteness and the daily nature of progress would work for me, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the game. Even though we are at the start of 2025, Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a strong contender for one of my games of the year.
My final thumb score is not a reflection of negativity or confusion in this case, but a combined assessment as a reviewer and a big cheer as a fan of both the JRPG genre and new creators showing off what they’ve already learned to do. Keep at it, Kevin Musto. I think you’ve got the will to work up your skills.
There are a whole lot of things I do not like about Purrgonia, but I also feel like it could be made fun. If there were fewer things attacking me, I could cut down trees, if I could send villagers out to collect things, if I could decorate my town how I wanted, if I could interact with more things in the world, I think I would like it a lot. It feels very unfinished. Overall, I don’t have many positive feelings about my time with Purrgonia, but I think it could be something really neat one day with some work.
Ender Magnolia is a fantastic achievement of dark fantasy storytelling and gameplay. Its gorgeous visuals, emotional soundtrack, and refined mechanics combine to create an unforgettable experience. While it doesn’t drastically reinvent the formula of its predecessor, it builds upon it in meaningful ways, offering a journey that is both familiar and fresh. For fans of Ender Lilies and adventure games in general, Ender Magnolia is a must-play. Its captivating world, engaging combat, and emotional narrative will leave a lasting impression, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, a glimmer of light can shine through. This is a message I took from the first game but it resonates just as much here.
Batography is a short but incredibly charming game that delivers a burst of positivity in under 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a stress-free, mood-lifting experience, this is absolutely worth picking up. And since it’s free, there’s no reason not to give it a try. Though brief, Batography hints at the potential for a much larger and more expansive game. If the developers ever choose to revisit this formula, adding depth to the camera mechanics and expanding the world, it could be something truly special. Until then, Batography remains a delightful gem that is great for young and old players who want to relax, smile, and enjoy a wholesome experience.
If your only complaint about a game is that there aren’t enough levels, that’s usually a good sign. I would love to see more levels added to Cat Needs in the coming months. I had a whole lot of fun with it, and it was a pleasure to play. I would recommend this game wholeheartedly to anyone who loves puzzle games and cats. It’s a cheap little game with a lot of heart, very well-made and polished, and super fun to play.
Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrected updates and smoothes over a number of its original issues, but several still remain. Still, it’s a passionate game telling a story of two women in love. It’s terrific that this is no longer as original or rare as it was at the time, but like explaining the Barbie movie to friends who felt we didn’t need more basic introductions to feminism, there is always room for more gentle introductions and reminders that the love we have to share with each other matters. No matter who they are. Because it is desperately easy to find ourselves in shadowed worlds that want us to forget that. The result of the remaster is still an imperfect game, but there’s something about it that keeps you going in spite of its flaws. It’s a great time for a reintroduction, and I hope it’s welcomed by the audience it needs. It didn’t click all the way with me, gameplay wise, but I love the monster designs and the story hit the right notes. Take my final verdict with plenty of wiggle room — this one is going to be highly subjective per player, but worth visiting.
This is truly a tactical RPG that you can play any way you like. You decide which Phantoms to take into battle, how to deploy them, which equipment to use and more. Now, that is true for more games like this, but the sheer number of possibilities is quite something. Add the gridless battlefield to that and the special abilities Marona has, and you’ll have many hours of gaming fun with Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero.
Symphonia is a stunning debut from Sunny Peak that breathes fresh life into the platforming genre. Its gorgeous hand-drawn art, enchanting music, and unique non-violent gameplay make it a standout title. While its precision-focused mechanics might not appeal to everyone, it offers enough accessibility options and charm to win over most players. The challenge didn’t always click for me, verging a little too close to frustrating at times. But for fans of artistic platformers or those looking for something fresh and innovative, Symphonia is well worth picking up.
Wren’s Resurgence is a love letter to Japanese folklore and action-platformers, and it shows in the game’s detailed lore, atmospheric world, and creative boss design. While its combat and navigation mechanics don’t always hit the mark, the game’s charm and heart make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. If you’re an experienced player who loves to explore and overcome challenging obstacles, you’ll likely find a lot to enjoy here. Casual players, however, might find the game’s difficulty and clunky combat a tougher barrier to entry. Wren’s Resurgence may not be for everyone, but for those it clicks with, it’s an engaging and ambitious adventure that deserves a spot on your radar
Usually, I say how addictive it is to watch the pixelated characters move around and interact, but I didn’t get that with Cavern Adventurers. Maybe it’s because the colours imitate a cave, maybe the vertical layout makes it harder to watch, or maybe it’s because the characters don’t interact as well with each other as in some of the other Kairosoft games. I enjoyed creating an underground city, especially getting the compatibility right. The selection and levelling up of the adventurers gave me a sense of achievement. However, it all became a little bit tedious as I approached floor 15. Cavern Adventurers was close to being an “I’m not sure”, but there was just enough enjoyment to get into the next rating.
Chocolate Factory Simulator is not without its faults, but if you are curious about the chocolate-making process and love simulator games, you should take a look.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a masterclass in platforming design that feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The updated controls, improved visuals, and new difficulty options make this the definitive way to experience the game. However, it still offers more or less the same game experience on Wii and 3DS, so some players may not see the need to return. But if you are new and love your platformers, this still comes recommended. Yes, it’s challenging, and yes, it may cause a few controller-clenching moments, but that’s part of its charm. Few games manage to balance frustration and fun as effectively as this one. So grab your bananas, ready your barrels, and swing into action; Donkey Kong is back and better than ever, even if it is for the third time.
The Roottrees are Dead is a great puzzle game and a great detective point-and-click game. There is a lot of reading to do, a lot of lore, and deductions to be made. The visuals and world-building are great. The soundtrack is excellent. The only thing left to say is that I hope there’s a sequel soon, or at the very least, another game from the developer in the same style. If you love detective games, you should definitely check out The Roottrees are Dead.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a triumphant return for the series, delivering everything fans loved about the early entries while refining the formula with modern touches. The combat is as exhilarating as ever, the visuals are impressive, and the focus on a single protagonist adds a fresh perspective to the familiar story. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is a game well worth your time. For me, playing Origins felt like reconnecting with an old friend, and I couldn’t be happier about it. A free demo is also available on Steam.
Beta Max is a standout puzzle game with a unique mechanic that makes familiar gameplay elements feel fresh. The rewind feature adds depth and creativity to the puzzle-solving experience, striking a satisfying balance between challenge and accessibility. While the 80s aesthetic might feel overdone in some corners of gaming, here, it’s executed with charm and attention to detail, making it a perfect fit for the game’s premise. If you’re a fan of the genre or just in the mood for a clever, nostalgic trip, Beta Max is a must-play. Plus, with a free demo available on Steam, there’s no reason not to give it a try.
TetriMatch is a nice little Tetris game. It took me less than 20 minutes to complete all the achievements, but afterwards, we still have leaderboards if that motivates you. If you like Tetris, you’ll probably like TetriMatch as well.