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KIBORG is a huge leap forward from Redeemer for Sobaka Studios. I had an enormous amount of fun smashing my way through freaks and mutants, trying out all the different weapons and implant combinations. I just wish the levels were longer and you had more chances to get the implants you wanted. Each attempt consists of 15 (I think) arenas. With 7 of those being Implants that only leaves a few spaces for weapons and mutations to play with.
Rosewater’s overall experience is shaped by its engaging narrative, well-designed puzzles, and atmospheric world. Its blend of Western themes and investigative storytelling makes for an intriguing journey. The game may feel slow-paced to those unfamiliar with point-and-click adventures, but for fans of the genre, it delivers a satisfying tale with memorable characters. While minor frustrations in pacing and puzzle repetition exist, they are outweighed by the strengths in writing, art direction, and interactivity.
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 2 is exactly what I needed it to be. From tying all the stories together and making me feel super connected to the characters, to bringing the big mystery to a close, I was quite happy with it. Where this franchise goes from here is anyone’s guess, but after this I do hope Don’t Nod continues it. Lost Records has proven that Don’t Nod is one of the premier studios when it comes to narrative and character building in video games.
Lushfoil Photography Sim exceeded every expectation I had and it is now my favourite walking simulator ever made, and to-date my 2025 GOTY. In a year full of AAA games and some incredibly exciting indies, Lushfoil is proud to stand as its own entity and it does something new in an incredible way. Matt Newell has transformed his personal love for photography into the video games medium and I truly hope this is something he has the opportunity to create DLC or a sequel for. This is as much a game for people who love photography, as those who love video game or real world exploration.
Blue Prince is a puzzle game for all time, and it deserves a place among the greats of the genre. Its design is masterful, its vision clear, and every moment spent within Mt. Holly Estate feels purposeful, crafted with care and a quiet confidence. I can easily see it becoming a touchstone for puzzle design in the years ahead.
Steel Seed is the perfect game to jump in to after Split Fiction and Assassins Creed Shadows. Its setting and combat reminded me of one of my favorite games, Star Wars Jedi Survivor. As a fan of stealth games, this game provides a solid experience that will not disappoint. The game never overstayed its welcome and constantly provided new experiences keeping the game fresh throughout my 12 hours with the game.
Overall, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has perhaps one of the most enjoyable combat systems I’ve played in a modern FG and with the blend of strong offensive and defensive options it seems like SNK is really working to create a system that tries to force constant two way interactions. With strong mechanics and a cast that’s fun to use all around I do hope the game can really take off and find it’s place in the ever growing line up of Strong fighting games in a high point for the genre overall.
The biggest problem with Kaya’s Prophecy is that it doesn’t feel like it adds anything new to the genre. While this didn’t feel like a waste of time, it isn’t something that many may be quick to return to. Some of the elements are familiar but not as well executed as games that have come before it. At times, Kaya’s Prophecy feels like a love letter to the genre, at others, it feels a bit like a student project.
All in all, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a visually impressive and narratively engaging action RPG that melds Metroidvania exploration with Soulslike combat mechanics well. The combat on the whole is fun, the world layout is full of interesting little hideaways and secrets. The story is solid, and it’s told in a darkly beautiful world, enhanced by the broad brushstrokes of the art style and the fantastic soundtrack. Nonetheless, repetitive combat, occasional technical issues, and certain design decisions may put some people off.
Commandos: Origins doesn’t blaze a new trail for the genre, but it’s an expertly executed operation, one that brings a legendary series back into the fight with confidence and style. It captures the spirit of the originals while shedding some of their more dated baggage, resulting in a game that feels both familiar and fresh.
With its smart sci-fi aesthetic, charming sound design and music, excellent puzzle design, and intuitive controls, The Electrifying Incident is a short, satisfying puzzle game. It may not blow your mind, but it just might shock you!
Exploring the world of Atomfall’s Wyndham, with its attention to detail, genuinely realised characters, and intriguing narrative, is truly endearing. Uncovering the mystery was a blast, even if the payload at the end fell a touch flat. The exploration, scavenging, and solving the mystery make it well worth your time. If you embrace Atomfall for what it’s trying to be, rather than expecting it to be Fallout Britain, then I suspect you’ll have a great time with Rebellion’s newest IP.
Leila tells a story that most people should hear. It gets to the truth of ourselves in the hustle of each day with who we are and how we navigate life. However, at times, the story feels a bit rushed. We explore these moments with Leila and she opens up rather quickly. Some of these moments felt too quick or rushed through. In some ways, I wish this game would have been a bit longer to elaborate on certain moments and feelings. We know her marriage has become stagnant and yet we get very few glimpses as to why. By the end, we see she is more hopeful and free after a full day with this game console. Was her journey to self-forgiveness simply one day long?
The MLB The Show series is the premier baseball game each year. The on-field experience from franchise to RTTS are core things we as fans look forward to every year. Even though most of my time is spent in RTTS turning my player into a future hall of famer, the improvements in MLB The Show 25 gives the game a breath of fresh air. I love the new upgrade system in RTTS, I really feel like I have more control over my players growth. I am overjoyed that I can grind and upgrade my cards in Diamond Dynasty, and they will not have to be retired after a certain period.
Tiny Garden scratches the itch of nostalgia, while fostering carefree gameplay. And no matter how you play, this palm sized personal garden makes you appreciate the small details.
I have officially dipped my toe into the world of Atelier Yumia, and the larger Atelier series as a whole. Now, the question is – would I go deeper? 100% yes. Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land was a JRPG that I didn’t realize that I needed in my life and was an absolute pleasure to play, despite some of the road bumps that I encountered along the way. And I have to say – I could never actually fully predict where the story was going to take me, which is a nice change of pace for some games that I have played in recent memory.
Promise Mascot Agency will delight many looking for something akin to a fun fever dream. Those who find themselves enjoying the culture of Japan may also find joy in seeing showa-era vibes, engaging with the mascot culture, and of course, being on the more questionable side of the law. This is a great option of a game for those looking for something to unwind with after a long day. Nothing in the game is overly difficult or stressful just for the sake of a challenge.
As a whole it’s hard not to come away from South Of Midnight glowing. Its vibrant world, charismatic characters, incredible soundtrack and mythical creatures are true works of art. Going through that world as Hazel was a joy to do despite the repetitive combat. With a bit more variety in enemies and switching up the formula just a touch here and there, South Of Midnight could have been truly special.
I said above that I won’t spoil the story of Koira. What I will say is that it did make me tear up more than once. The game’s themes: friendship and understanding between the forest spirit, their new dog and the animals in the forest; contrasted with the humans greed, need to overcome and essentially conquer nature is something that we see too often in the real world I fear.
So, to answer the question posed at the beginning of this review, yes, it vary much lived up to the hype. Karma The Dark World is not an action-packed thrill ride, and it never tried to be. Karma is extremely good at a couple of things and doesn’t stray from that, which I enjoy a lot and feel more games need to do. Keep it simple and don’t overstay your welcome.