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What ultimately kept me engaged in Slime Heroes wasn’t the story, but the way its mechanics all worked together to create such a compelling gameplay loop. The combat/magic system, dungeons, and world design are seamlessly intertwined, constantly pushing you to experiment and improve. I was always excited to encounter a new enemy, knowing they would have a new ability for me to unlock and try out! Slime Heroes proves that Souls-likes don’t have to be grim to be great. With its charming aesthetic and deep mechanics, it offers a fresh take on the genre—one that’s as fun for longtime fans as it is for newcomers looking for a challenge wrapped in a friendlier package.
Glover is a beloved title of an excellent era of 3D platformer games, so it’s really disappointing the developers did not adapt the game to be playable to modern standards. The game didn’t need a rebuild, but it clearly didn’t get the quality of life features it needed to be accessible to first-time players, especially frustrating given the title has been on Steam for so long. If you’re a big fan of Glover and are confident you won’t be frustrated by the old-school controls, then this will be perfect be for you. However, if you’ve no affinity for the game I strongly recommend you avoid or wait for a significant store sale.
Sometimes I think I may be a little to dumb for some games, and Rogue Conflict definitely had me thinking that during the first couple of hours. I’ve played games for nearly 30 years now and even though one of my first titles was Command & Conquer strategic thinking and more importantly – patience has never really been my forte. But after my first few hours of bad decision making and rushing in, I started to slow down and really pay attention to all of the moving pieces on the board. That’s when Rogue Conflict clicked for me, and when it clicks it really clicks. I won’t say it’s not still incredibly difficult – it is – and it certainly won’t click for everyone. But when you take the time to examine all of the interplay of the systems and make them work for you rather than against you, you’ll be in for a great time.
I like simulation games. They’re fun little rabbit-holes to trundle down and live the life that, well, maybe you don’t want to live, but maybe you’re curious about? That being said, as more and more of them are being released to the masses, the wider the quality of these games are. Despite my concerns, issues, and hiccups with my playthrough of this game, I did genuinely enjoy it! Will I 100% it and reach the top tier of Shop Owner in game? Maybe, but I can certainly say that I wouldn’t say no.
All in all Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a great package much like just about every other game in the franchise is. It shows that RGG can still add to the old formula while keeping things enjoyable and they make a great case for Majima taking a more staring role in future games, especially if Kiryu’s arc is done after the events of Infinite Wealth. I hope for a Majima/ Ichiban team up in the future and that it’s the most wild entry in the franchise yet.
As I started this review I said it would be a tough one to do. Sitting here at the end it’s still tough. At its core Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 is a great game. The characters are easy to fall in love with, the world is gorgeous and the story is beginning to click. The problem is the payoff to all of this has to wait until April. If I had to predict it, my overall score for Lost Records will be higher once it’s complete and we do get all the payoffs. But for now, Tape 1s slow start keeps Bloom in the good category with Rage expected to tie it all together. The fact that I can’t wait for Rage though should at least tell you Bloom is worth a play, but maybe wait til April and play it all at once?
Civilization VII is a solid game while still having a few flaws. As with these types of games, expect the flaws to be patched out or replaced with new features in DLC. It is still absolutely the game that you can lose many hours to. While the cross-play multiplayer is not quite up and running yet, now is the time to play solo and learn your best strategies. While it may not end up being a fan favorite, the series must go on. Civilization VII is a fresh take on a series while remaining somewhat true to it’s core. It may not ask you for just one more turn just yet but you’ll be asking yourself what time is it during your marathon sessions
Police Shootout is a competent game that delivers on its premise. The game is certainly rough around the edges and some extra QA should have been implemented given the period of time since the 2022 Steam launch. The turn-based FPS battles are a fresh twist on the genre, though they’re not something we need to see become a trend.
There really is so much to love here. The dialogue you can choose from in your conversations, you can be nice, or if you wanted to be an asshole you had that option. Like I said, Avowed was more than I was hoping for. Xbox and Obsidian really might have Game of the Year on their hands. You can feel the love, hard work, and polish that Obsidian put in making this game. Avowed is a must play for any and every one, go get lost in The Living Lands.
I normally tend to swing towards the cozier side of gaming. Give me your Animal Crossings, your Stardew Valleys. With that being said, though, I genuinely enjoyed this game! It presented a very compelling story and world that I would love to see more of. Hinyari9 also managed to sell me on a run-and-gun style of game, which is normally not my cup of tea. Honest truth – give this game a chance – if the concept of making different builds doesn’t sell you on this game, the story might win you over instead!
The Executive is a game that players will lose hours to in the best of ways. While it does have some room for improvement, it is a strong showing from Aniki Games for their debut game. This is definitely a game that allows for multiple playthroughs to find your optimal play style. For those looking to get into simulation games, this may seem slightly overwhelming but the tutorial works well to bring new players to the genre. Overall, The Executive is a solid game that promises hours of gameplay.
Despite some tech issues and not having the most memorable plot, Coridden’s gameplay is so much fun that I didn’t care. While flying solo in the game can be a bit tough at times, its still a blast and even better when you team up with a few friends. I hope to see more from Aftnareld in the future as they crafted a fun and unique adventure here.
Overall, ReSetna is a solid metroidvania with smooth and satisfying traversal, challenging combat, and overclocked art direction. It’s just unfortunate that it is hampered by some lacking UI/UX, awkward pacing, a simple narrative clouded by obtuse world lore, and a couple frustrating boss fights/gameplay sequences. I think metroidvania fans that can overlook these flaws will have fun with ReSetna, and I see it a strong foundation for a sequel. While the game may not have the grace and efficiency of its protagonist, it still fulfills its directive.
Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator needs a lot of polishing work. The core gameplay loop is extremely addictive. Trying to master all the different procedures and figure out what instruments go where keeps you on your toes. It’s unfortunate that Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator is missing so many of the final polishing touches, that take away from the meat and bones that makes it a great simulation game.
I love an entertaining and fun beat’em up, something where you can control the pace, has enjoyable combat with some fun enemy and weapon variety. Big Helmet Heroes touches on all those things. The funny moments in the gameplay and cutscenes, to replaying levels to try to unlock the knight I missed, it’s all here. Not to mention the subtle yet amazing easter eggs.
The Stone of Madness looks gorgeous, planning around the prisoners’ strengths and phobias makes for an intense stealth adventure that is ruined by bugs. I would rather smash my face against brutal enemies than succumb to glitches, which is how I felt my time with The Stone of Madness has been spent.
I had very few complaints about Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist by the time I saw both endings. Adglobe and Live Wire should pat themselves on the back for being a game that helps kick 2025 off in a strong way. To any fans of the metroidvania genre, i’d definitely recommend checking it, as well as it’s predecessor out if you have not.
Going into to Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector I had high expectations based on my experience with the first game, and I’m so happy to say that it absolutely smashed those expectations out of the park. It builds on the world and mechanics of this first game – changing and expanding enough that it feels like a fresh experience. For fans of TTRPGs, the two similar but distinct gameplay loops will scratch that mechanical itch. And for those that love storytelling, the choices you make as you play through the game will absolutely leave you eager to fire up a second playthrough to explore what happens at the end of another road.
If you want to come back to re-visit Ninja Gaiden 2, I highly recommend you do. If you loved it the first time, you will love it even more with its new polish. But if you are new to the game, be aware that you are paying for graphics. In terms of game mechanics, you will have a similar experience to the original title. To play this game in 2025 is a reminder of how far games have come technologically speaking. But it is an amazing revitalization of a classic that reminds us, 2025 needs more 2008 era games.
Despite a few minor flaws and the potential repetitiveness, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a great game. With it’s blend of tower defense, shooting and strategy it is a game worth playing with a lot of fun to be had, especially with friends. Finding the best way to tackle each mission and laying waste to the Orcs with traps and your Mage will provide you with plenty of entertainment. I can safely say after 20 plus hours of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, this Orcs Must Die noob won’t be skipping the series anymore.