EIP Gaming's Reviews
It's a simple game, but one in which all the systems work in harmony to create a chilled-out and satisfying experience. With customizable difficulty, decent variety in levels, and a soundtrack that makes you feel like you're in a fancy spa, Terra Nil offers a relaxing opportunity to turn a bleak little square of land into a verdant paradise.
Tchia is the perfect cozy game. It is deeply inspired by the culture of New Caledonia, and in showing that it creates one of the warmest, most engaging experiences in gaming. From its calm exploration to its charming story to its dozens of wonderful little moments, Tchia is one of the best games of 2023 so far. You owe it to yourself to play it.
Pillars of the Earth is a visually stunning game with a deep, immersive story. It's light on actual gameplay, and the slow pace may lose some players' interest early on. Still, it's a solid point-and-click adventure with an interesting setting.
If you like city builders and aren't afraid of a little crunch, give Pharaoh: A New Era a shot-- it'll feel refreshingly different from any modern game in the genre. It's challenging, well-presented, and makes the tweaks it needs to make to be accessible, without compromising on the game's soul.
While technically competent in all ways, the reliance on nostalgia and old "don't-fix-it-if-it-ain't-broke" game mechanics keeps Hogwarts Legacy from really being as stellar as it could be. It does everything well while falling into the Harry Potter trap of forgetting to innovate. Still, it is impossible to ignore the polish on display.
Inkulinati's tactical and strategic depth is equaled by its clever use of medieval marginalia as inspiration for both art, setting, and gameplay. Come for the exploding bean monsters and donkey butt horns, stay for the tricky turn-based combat.
A fun little tragicomic narrative adventure game, Backfirewall_ gets a lot right, with its vibrant environments, apt audio tracks, and authentic characters. The only thing holding back this brief but bombastic game is a slow start to the story and its easy puzzles. An excellent choice for gaming beginners, or people looking for a relaxing way to wind down.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider might be a throwback to the 80s and 90s, and wears its inspirations on its sleeves, but there is a lot more to it than just nostalgia. While Moonrider has flaws, and is a very short experience, it is one worth experiencing for anyone with a fondness for classic platformers and grungy aesthetics.
With terrible, nigh-unplayable gameplay, a story that could generously be called "so bad it's good", and uninspired art direction, Kukoos: Lost Pets is an ugly slog of a game, fit for "Worst of the Year" accolades. These pets should be put to sleep.
The Callisto Protocol might be treading familiar ground, but it does so with such mastery that it turns it to sacred ground. It perfects the goals that Dead Space first set out to achieve, reaching the peak of the survival horror genre when it comes to gameplay, art direction, storytelling, and — of course — horror.
The Knight Witch is a great mashup of two popular genres (Metroidvanias and bullet hell games), with fun and exciting action that keeps you on your toes. The story and likable characters further help enhance the experience.
The latest Let's Sing entry provides more of what you'd want: a list of hit songs, and a fun, engaging way to sing along to them from the comfort of your own home. Players with older consoles and peripherals may have some technical issues, but the package as a whole is polished.
Potty humor and explosions are the name of the game in this series of random point-and-click sequences. Trial and error trumps logic, and pee conquers all.
Gotham Knights has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. It cannot be denied that the game is already dated, technically inefficient, and full of bizarre choices. Still, I cannot help to praise all it does right, especially that which has gone ignored by critics in favor of easy nitpicks and criticisms. The combat mechanics and worldbuilding are a special highlight.
Soulstice is a fun action game that shows just how powerful a sisterly bond can be. While there are flaws holding it back from being amazing, it gives an overall satisfying combat experience.
Foretales offers a fun and open way to experience a story about saving the realm from impending doom. The freedom offered in its card game gameplay promises multiple unique playthroughs.
A strong narrative and well-crafted characters more than make up for any rough edges in this slick, fast-paced point-and-click adventure/RPG hybrid.
Thymesia offers an excellent combat system and some clever twists on old mechanics; it's a shame that the story and level design aren't nearly as strong. If combat is your thing, or you're in need of another action RPG, Thymesia fits the bill, but some players may find themselves losing interest after the tenth same-y corridor.
While being a short experience, Video Game Fables is a very engaging game that never takes itself too seriously. Fans of RPGs will enjoy seeing how the game jokes about many aspects of the genre.
Although it doesn't offer much of a challenge, you'll hardly care; traipsing through BlueTwelve's lovingly-crafted cat adventure game on four feet is a pleasure, and the game's pacing, art design, and overall look and feel make it one of the best games to come out so far this year.