LadiesGamers.com's Reviews
Petit Island is a charming story of friendship and hope. There are moments of sadness and joy as Lily ventures around the picturesque islands, with the music balancing the gameplay beautifully. I would have liked Petit Island a lot if not for the software crashes during the final chapter, which spoilt my overall enjoyment. Hopefully, the developers will be able to rectify this quickly.
In the end, I found myself enjoying Astral Flux, though I recognize that it won’t be for everyone. Its high entry difficulty, reliance on limited resources, and repetitive starting levels could be deal-breakers for more casual players or those looking for a game that rewards exploration. Some mechanics, like the runes, also feel underdeveloped, as they often make an already difficult game even harder without offering much reward in return. Additionally, the upgrade system might feel sparse compared to other roguelikes, making the progression feel slower and less immediate. However, for players who appreciate a challenging, minimalist roguelike experience, Astral Flux can be a rewarding experience. I found the limited upgrades and tight oxygen system heightened the sense of vulnerability and urgency, leading to satisfying moments when I successfully navigated a challenging level. It’s a tough game, but if you’re up for the challenge, there’s a lot to appreciate. For those still unsure, the free demo, available on Switch and Steam, offers a good taste of what Astral Flux has to offer, try it, and see if this space adventure is right for you.
Tetris Forever is a fitting tribute to one of the most beloved video games of all time. Even 40 years after its creation, the simple yet addictive gameplay of Tetris continues to captivate players. This collection highlights why Tetris has endured and hints at why it will likely remain a staple of gaming culture for decades to come. For those interested in gaming history or even casual Tetris fans, Tetris Forever is a must-own. Digital Eclipse once again proves that this is the gold standard for preserving and showcasing video game legacies.
Bits at Work is a simple concept with simple art that is just done very, very well. I love it, and it’s one of the more fun little games I’ve gotten to play lately. If you adore fun little idle clicker-type games or decorating a little pixel office, I can’t recommend Bits at Work enough. For what it is, you can’t get another better than this!
For its affordable price, Apples Busy Day delivers a delightful, short, and heartwarming experience. While the gameplay may not bring anything particularly groundbreaking to the table, its simplicity and charming design make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a relaxing, wholesome gaming session. It’s the kind of game that may bring a smile to your face simply by virtue of its good-natured spirit and gentle gameplay. If you’re in the mood for an easy, feel-good game that can be enjoyed in about an hour, Apple’s Busy Day is certainly worth a try.
Amazing Weekend 2: Search and Relax 2 Collector’s Edition is yet another generic hidden object game. While it is nothing groundbreaking or unique, if you like the genre and are in the mood for some stressless fun, this game might be the one for you.
The Protagonish is so cute, fun, and funny and is really well put together. I love everything about it, but it is so very short that I feel like I don’t really get to settle into the story before it is over. This could be such a gorgeous visual novel with one of the most unique and interesting premises, but it falls short of being perfect by feeling cut off.
Doodle Harmony Idle Merge was a pleasant surprise for me – usually, I wouldn’t say I like idler clicker games and would have lost interest quite quickly. This game was engaging enough to make me stick until I unlocked all 100 doodle levels, and I imagine I might just go back to it at some point for some relaxing and still fast-paced fun.
With the reassuring familiarity of bright colours and pixelated characters, Legends of Heropolis DX is fun to play. Like so many of the Kairosoft games, you need to find the gameplay loop of developing the city, levelling up your superheroes and battling in order to achieve victory. I thoroughly enjoyed fighting alongside the other heroes in Legends of Heropolis DX and finding my inner superhero.
If you are a fan of building games, Diorama might be the game for you. It offers us the chance to build and decorate interiors and exteriors in the same cozy pixel style. Honestly, what’s not to like?
Mirthwood has the makings of a very good life sim game. It heavily reminds me in the best possible way of Echoes of Plum Grove, another fantasy life sim RPG that I reviewed this year. If you love crafting and adventuring, the freedom to choose your own path, a beautiful and unique art style, great music, and attention to detail, I think you’ll love Mirthwood.
Soul Stalker is a fantastic pick-up-and-play experience, particularly for players who prefer games that are easy to jump into and enjoy in short sessions. With its endearing art style, accessible mechanics, and an impressive variety of unlockables, it offers a compelling option at a budget-friendly price. While it may not convert sceptics of the bullet heaven genre, it serves as an excellent introduction for new players or a relaxed, low-stress alternative to more intense roguelikes. Soul Stalker has plenty to offer if you’re looking for a charming, low-commitment gaming experience.
Lines on Sides is a challenging yet not frustrating puzzle game that offers a welcome distraction from the hustle and bustle of an increasingly busy world. The game is intuitive, with a calming soundtrack and various mechanics, which can be a welcome distraction from anxiety and stress.
Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation was the first Shin chan adventure game that I just had to try out after loving the successor. And the game doesn’t disappoint. The story is an interesting one, the visuals and narrator make for an immersive adventure although the flow of the game is broken up by constantly switching screens and a static camera. The game is kid-friendly but also works for adults who don’t expect big storylines and thrilling experiences. Go with the flow and be entertained by little cheeky boy Shinnosuke. Another lovely Summer Vacation game!
To keep it short, I liked Virche Evermore -EpiC: Lycoris-. They added a lot of extra content to make the game pretty long, so game-time-wise, you’re good. Not everyone had the ending I was hoping for, but maybe that is just the story the writers were going with. But in a lot of ways, the characters did get a happy ending in their way.
With its mix of creature collection, strategic monster battles, and farming mechanics, Farmagia offers a unique experience for RPG fans. Despite its performance hiccups and dense tutorials, it has charm, though not every player will enjoy the fighting aspect of the gameplay. If you’re willing to push through the initial learning curve and forgive the occasional slowdown, Farmagia provides an experience worth investing in.
Reindeer Story is the sort of game meant for people who enjoy very old-school RPGs and who want to support new developers who put a lot of very visible effort into something they genuinely care about doing. It’s far from a perfect game; its deliberate archaicness is going to make it feel sluggish and even difficult for some newer gamers, and there are occasional minor errors like misspelt or badly wrapped text. In the game’s defence, I remember professionally distributed NES and SNES games having these issues, too, so I don’t consider these big flaws. The game’s biggest draw is its charming story, which starts from some familiar but copyright-safe origins and then begins to spread into the sillier mythos of Christmas. Fans of the equally cornball Zeboyd games (Cthulhu Saves the World, etc.) are probably the best base from which to support developer Azzie in whatever project they’re ready to tackle next. And I do hope they keep going. Available at a budget price on Steam and filled with plenty to do, it’s not a game I can easily recommend to a casual cozy gamer. But for those willing to share some Christmas spirit and slice off a whack of some actually pretty tasty fruitcake, I hope you give it a visit. It’s a little funky, but I can’t help but admire its charm.
Playing Garden of the Sea makes me happy. The combination of crafting, exploring, cultivating and puzzle-solving strikes the perfect balance and encourages the next step. Completing the main story is just the start, as you can then trade and decorate, design and create the perfect environment to chill out and relax in, with all the adorable creatures. There are just a few too many glitches to give Garden of the Sea our highest rating, but if you can cope with a first-person view, I would definitely recommend this cosy and wholesome game.
Gridlink is a fun, relaxing puzzle game that is free-to-play and a ton of fun. There’s literally no reason not to play it. It’s a perfect way to wind down. I think the only thing I really want from Gridlink is a mobile version. I didn’t see one, so I don’t think one exists, but that would be a super fun way to play it. I really like how intuitive and easy it is to get started. Even the hardest of the puzzles don’t feel impossible; they are just challenging. My biggest complaint is how long it took me to notice there actually was a Dark Mode in the menu, which is not the dev’s fault at all, trust me. I can’t recommend this simple puzzle game enough; if you like puzzles, go and download Gridlink right now.
Core Keeper may not reinvent the survival genre, but it certainly adds its own charm and sense of wonder to it. The game succeeds in creating an atmosphere of exploration and discovery, allowing players to choose their path and take on the challenges of the caves at their own pace. It’s a title that respects your time, offering as much depth as you’re willing to invest, whether you’re a casual player looking for a relaxing escape or a survival enthusiast seeking a challenge. If crafting games isn’t your cup of tea, Core Keeper likely won’t change your mind. However, for those who enjoy gathering resources, building bases, and venturing into the unknown, this game is well worth a spot in your Switch library. Whether you tackle the game solo or team up with friends, Core Keeper offers enough content to keep you occupied for many weekends. It’s a game that encourages you to dig deeper, explore farther, and build smarter, turning every session into a unique journey. For fans of the genre, this is one game you’ll want to dig into on the Nintendo eShop.