Qualbert.com's Reviews
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book sticks by the adage, short and sweet. It’s here for a good time, not for a long time, so its decision to lengthen the boss battles is all the more confusing to me. Most levels had me smiling while playing, as I wondered what each creature tasted like and how the level would unfold. While the exploratory model can leave players feeling a bit lost on how to end a level, the game’s generosity with hints ensures any possible frustration is short-lived.
For a relatively short game, around 8-10 hours, this was mostly a slammin’ puzzle adventure. If you want something new with an interesting story and original mechanics then I’d highly recommend this. Priced reasonably at about $36 AU, this is an enjoyable romp through the 70s. Although some more music would have added greatly to the experience, there is enough here to enjoy. Maybe just wait for a sale if you get frustrated with puzzles easily. So that’s the skinny, I gotta skitty back to my crib so keep on steppin.
A charming and fun platformer with tons of brawling, Decline’s Drops has something special. A certain je ne sais quoi that makes it tickle all the good-feel receptors. With a cute, well balanced art style and fantastic music, players who like a fast, fun platformer will be spoiled.
When it comes to the sea of simulation games, this cosy post-punk game has the ability to stand out from the crowd. Between its pleasant visuals, great music and relatable story, I think Wax Heads deserves its place on the shelf.
Rarely has there been a game that I’ve immediately restarted in New Game+ mode upon seeing the credits roll. Mina the Hollower made me not only want to continue playing but also check out the games it was inspired by. It accomplishes what it sets out to do with tremendous success: combining old and new design philosophies into something fun, addictive and wholly unique.
This would be the perfect game to take with you on a Steam Deck for a few quick rounds when you are travelling. Hopefully the developers can also bring it to Switch/Switch 2 at some stage in the near future. Maybe don’t play it on a plane though, the people sitting around you might get a little freaked out. After an excellent first showing, I’m definitely interested to see where S-Bend Games is flying to next.
This game is a hoot. It’s silly and remembers that games are meant to be fun and not take themselves too seriously. Sure, you’re vampire hunters, but who’s to say a vampire hunting team can’t consist of a giant panda, someone’s dog and a nice lady with big guns? This game lets you do that!
If you enjoy a good narrative or any other Dark Anthology Picture games then I’m sure this one will magnetise you to your seat. However, if you expect some decent gameplay or a high octane ride, then you may be disappointed. Whilst the ending and revelations during the story are much better than those of the earlier games, it takes too long to get there with a lot of filler on the way. The characters don’t make you feel connected to them so if any of them die it has little to no effect. This is even doubled down by the fact you can now rewind your choices immediately if you didn’t like the initial outcome.
Forza Horizon 6 is probably one of the hardest games I’ve ever reviewed, because there’s very little to fault, and not much has changed since the previous game. It’s a supremely polished title with one of the best audio-visual presentations I’ve seen in recent years and will no doubt delight all budding rev-heads. But for anyone who didn’t enjoy the previous instalments of the series, this isn’t the radical departure you’re looking for.
Mixtape is a triumph in adventure gaming. Concise, varied gameplay married to an audiophile’s dream soundtrack, it’s a through-and-through diamond in the rough. Past that, it’s a game that will evoke emotion time and time again from start to finish. A story that will sit in your mind long after the credits roll, Mixtape gets a full recommendation for anyone even remotely interested.
Living the Dream is a conflicting offering from Nintendo that teeters between downright charming and utterly repetitive. Most players will likely find themselves amused at its absurd dialogue and distinctly Japanese humour, which is easily one of the series’ greatest strengths. But once you begin to hear the same lines repeated over and over, their novelty wears off quickly. For a life simulation game to have so little variety in its content means you’re unlikely to return to your island after the first couple of weeks. So enjoy its ridiculous fun for a short time, not a long time.
REPLACED may not break the mould of what it standard within the cyberpunk sub-genre of sci-fi games but it does offer an entertaining story from start to finish with fun combat, stunning visual design and music. Was it the seven year long wait? Maybe not but it’s still a superb debut from Sad Cat Studios and I wish them the best in their next project. Definitely worth scanning through this one as it’s a keeper that shouldn’t be at all…replaced.
Updating to or buying Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park is not a particularly hard sell. Anyone who loves a bit of a Mario adventure or wants to revisit Mario Wonder will have a blast and enjoy the new content and visual updates. Having all the new content from Rosalina to the multiplayer addons is really neat and helps breathe new life into Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Ride 6 is a solid motorbike game that replicates the sensation of piloting a two-wheeled rocket at 150 miles per hour with a solid simulation model that constantly pushed me to improve my lines. But the shader compilation stutters, and high system requirements do put a damper on the experience for PC owners. Not to mention, a lot of new content is being shelled off as DLC, which is a kind of disingenuous.
Despite its simple premise and straight forward level design, Pragmata contains a lot more depth than at first glance. The journey of Hugh and Diana isn’t an overly long one but it’s jam packed with quality from all the best types of games. If you’re looking for your next solo experience to sink your teeth into, then this is one you’ll be over the moon that you found.
Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is an excruciating disappointment that won’t satisfy fans or appeal to newcomers. There could be a good game within the prequel setting but what we got isn’t even close to that. Even if you could excuse the confusing story with it’s baffling choice to retcon certain plot points, it still doesn’t make up for the terrible gameplay, horrendous level design and bizarre presentation choices.
MOUSE P.I. For Hire is a rare case of a game with insanely-lofty ambitions that manages to live up to the hype. For Fumi Games to knock it out of the park from their inaugural title is miraculous. But I couldn’t get enough of my time in Mouseburg, giving the villains what-for and deducing a crime the old-fashioned way. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Jack Pepper.
ShantyTown is a compelling small scale building experience that captures the charm of diorama creation without the real world constraints. It’s perfect for a cosy afternoon to mill away a couple of hours away but it isn’t exactly ground breaking. Which in the noise of everyday life, might be exactly what you are looking for.
Gecko Gods is a pleasant experience from start to finish that offers a chill yet adventurous vibe that will appeal to many, especially for it’s beautiful presentation. While the short playtime, the lack of substance in the puzzles and technical issues may hold it back, it’s a small adventure worth discovering and showcases the variety that Super Rare Games is willing to support within the indie space.
Another interpretation of the roguelike genre is always a pleasant thing, and Minos is definitely a refreshing take. Despite the lack of hand-holding weighing it down at times, Minos still has a solid core gameplay loop that really, really sinks its claws (or horns) into you. Whether you have a clever mind for strategy, an overwhelming dislike for ancient Greek warriors, or just want another taste of that ever-popular roguelike genre, consider descending into the maze that is Minos.