Gamer Social Club
HomepageGamer Social Club's Reviews
Credit to Sassy Chap Games for coming up with so much on their first game. Of course, yes, many of them have so much experience behind the microphone, the switch is quite smooth. The game delivers everything it promised and more. It truly is a labor of love and it shows. The team also made a point to ensure that during the date with developers, each team member has a chance to speak and get highlighted. The work given into even this moment, shows how important this was to everyone.
All in all, The Alters delivers a unique and memorable experience. It’s the kind of game that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. For those who enjoy deep storytelling and intriguing character dynamics, it’s absolutely worth exploring.
The biggest criticism a game can have is that it’s boring, which about half way through to a T quickly becomes. Teen’s story starts well and full of charm, but as the eventual uninteresting mystery began to unravel my interest dropped off. Should the game’s 6-8 hour run time have been an 2-3 hours shorter, much of the uninspired dialogue could have been cut.
As we wrap this review up, I can honestly say I’m impressed. Fromsoft took a big gamble by pursuing a game of this caliber that is outside their usual palette and dare I say it is a great experience when it’s firing on all cylinders. Certain things such as a lack of in game chat, and weird balancing issues for anything other than the three person queue make it a little trivial, but the game plays flawlessly for the most part and retains much of what made the 2022 Elden Ring game so fun.
If you’ve never played one of these games before, just about every other title is superior. But for those who can’t get enough of seeking kitties, this game will scratch that itch – albeit leaving you coughing up a fur ball by the time you’re done.
Even though I had to start again and there were broken achievements, I still had a lot of fun with Spray Paint Simulator. I hope that North Star Games has lots of DLC planned for it because I need more. With it being on Game Pass, it’s well worth spending a relaxing afternoon in the sun painting your car. With the curtains closed, of course.
All in all, Best Served Cold delivers a unique blend of detective storytelling and bartending mechanics, creating an experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Its strategic approach to conversation and investigation challenges players to think critically, while its richly developed world provides a compelling backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The game’s noir aesthetic and atmospheric visuals enhance its immersive quality, making each interaction feel meaningful. While some pacing issues (in story and gameplay) and minor technical inconsistencies exist, the game succeeds in crafting a memorable journey through a world of secrets and deception.
Nice Day for Fishing has very unique premise and foundation, though bogged down with tedious gameplay and missing gameplay features that are typically found in this genre. Add a point if you’re into Viva La Dirt League, maybe, but otherwise, I hope they make a second game and deliver a better overall product.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma feels like a great blend of cozy and grindy while still finding its narrative way. While there is definitely some experimentation going on with the streamling of certain areas from the general Rune Factory series, the game play loop is still very true to its origins. Those who enjoyed previous entries will mostly likely find themselves enjoying this as long as they don’t miss complex crafting. For those who want the in-depth crafting and complexity that required spreadsheets of data, yes, this will feel too simplistic to you. The complex crafting from Rune Factory 3 and beyond is removed for streamlined play and possibly a way to introduce new fans into the series. If you haven’t played a Rune Factory game, you can jump right into this entry and enjoy.
I honestly can’t help but think there could have been more to this at launch if there wasn’t a monetization pivot a week before the game was released. About half of what is here is pretty rock solid. I am wondering if maybe Deff Rally couldn’t be reworked to focus just a little on the racing part. Also I think this game could do with a battle mode like Twisted Metal and older Mario Kart games to add some variety to the game. Just a handful of players going at it, racking up points until someone is left standing. No teams, no other goal. I hope they flesh Warhammer 40k Speed Freeks out a bit with some dlc or just added content or something cause as it stands there is some fun to be had but it’s a bit short lived.
Projected Dreams has such replayability. Although an entire playthrough only took me 4-5 hours, I definitely will be returning to try different solutions. There are so many different ways to solve the puzzles, and it was really made for those who like to achievement chase or challenge themselves. Plus it’s a game you can come back to at any time.
PaperKlay may have a few rough edges, but like any lovingly made craft project, those imperfections are part of its charm. Its vibrant world of cardboard, clay, and creativity is brought to life with expressive animation, satisfying platforming, and a clear affection for the genre it celebrates. While its combat may be simplistic, enemy variety is limited, and its levels sometimes feel more like standalone stages than pieces of a larger world, these are small creases in what is otherwise a carefully crafted experience.
Farming/life simulator games are not going anywhere anytime soon. Gamers (myself included) will always yearn for a sense of escapism to another life that we cannot fulfill in the real world. Cattle Country definitely provides a new take on this genre of video games and I do recommend it, with one caveat. You’ll notice that I made a LOT of comparisons to Stardew Valley. While not one of the first in this genre, its impact was enormous to this corner of the gaming universe. Without fail, any discussion of this genre will seemingly lead back to Stardew Valley (or Harvest Moon for you old-timers). Will I go back for more Cattle Country now that this game review has been completed? Yes. Will it be immediate and with the same fervor? Probably not.
Monster Train 2 meets if not exceeds the bar that they had previously set with the initial Monster Train. For newcomers, perhaps it will feel like option overload even if you choose the easier play style. So for those who need a bit more of an entry point, be patient. For those who want an excellent roguelike experience and hundreds if not thousands of hours, Monster Train 2 is for you.
With Trident’s Tale being a weird mix of kid-friendly writing that at times made me feel like I was watching an episode of Blue’s Clues and a difficult combat loop, this could be the perfect family game. Trident’s Tale could be a great introduction for kids looking to try their hand at an action game without the grim tones that usually come with piracy. Unfortunately, for this reviewer, the charm of the cute art style and awkward dialogue wore off.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Blades of Fire. A lot of people online seem to be comparing it to a Soulslike, which I just don’t see. The team over at MercurySteam have put a lot of time and effort making a very unique system that encourages a completely different approach to combat than I’ve really experienced before. I’m usually one to stick to one style of weapon, if not just one weapon, but Blades of Fire stops you from doing that. You are a master blacksmith and a master at arms and you need to use every tool available to you to save this cursed world.
The Precinct is an incredible journey into the other side of the action genre. Rather than breaking the law, you are upholding it. Rather loosely, but still upholding it. The almost simulation style of its gameplay loop had me hooked right from the start. Making sure I was doing everything by the book.
With a simple gameplay loop, beautiful art, and smooth combat, this game can make a nice addition to a roguelike collection. While I wouldn’t call this game someone’s first roguelike, it can be a really great way to introduce someone to the roguelike genre. The stories are easy to follow and not very long. If the true ending of Hades is too long for you with the number of required runs, this Yasha: Legend of the Demon Blade will be for you.
I firmly believe Expedition 33 is the new gold standard for the JRPG. Across every facet, from its mechanical design and narrative confidence to its striking art direction and masterful score, Sandfall Interactive has crafted something truly special. This isn’t just a promising debut; it’s a genre-defining work that I believe will shape game design for years to come. It is, without reservation, a masterpiece — and one of my favourite video games of all time.
As someone who wants story in my single player games, Doom: The Dark Ages delivered in a way previous Doom games never did while keeping the core fans happy with the crisp, varied gun play. Doom: The Dark Ages is a must play for fans and is a great place to start for newcomers.