The Gamerheads Podcast 's Reviews
Overall, Blade Chimera is another win for Team Ladybug. Its slower, more methodical take on the Metroidvania formula feels refreshing, especially once you master Shin and Lux’s moveset. It really feels like a perfect blend of Metroid and Castlevania - particularly Symphony of the Night. The ruined streets of Osaka are brimming with secrets and enemies to tackle, making this a solid pick for both longtime fans of the genre and newcomers looking for a challenge. It’s not perfect — the level design can frustrate, the story doesn’t fully capitalize on its world, and some enemy placement and difficulty can be a real challenge — but it’s a damn good time nonetheless. I’d say it’s a must-play for anyone craving a neon-soaked demon hunt.
For players new to the series, Everhood 2 offers a truly trippy experience. But for those who have played the first game, while Everhood 2 is still great, don’t expect to be blown away by its uniqueness this time around.
Cabernet is unlike anything I’ve played before, especially within the visual novel genre. The addition of RPG elements is intriguing, but what truly sets it apart is its unique leveling system—gaining experience through decisions and reading books is something I haven’t seen done this way before. I love that I’m learning alongside Liza, which deepens the role-playing experience and makes every choice feel meaningful. The story is compelling and pulls me into its dark, immersive world—I just wish the voice acting matched that same level of quality. At times, the dialogue felt disjointed, especially when I had already learned certain information by speaking to characters out of order. However, these minor flaws don’t overshadow what Cabernet accomplishes. For those looking for a visual novel where choices truly matter, Cabernet is a must-play.
Worlds of Aria is best played with friends—this is where the game truly shines. At its core, the fun comes from selecting different decisions and debating them together. The writing embraces the silly and absurd, adding to the party game atmosphere. While much of a player’s success is left to chance with dice rolls, the game lacks a meaningful risk-and-reward system. Ultimately, Worlds of Aria feels like a series of laidback, tabletop one-shots. This game is a great fit for players who enjoy lighthearted, casual RPGs, but those looking for deep strategy may want to look elsewhere.
YCJY Games found a perfect balance of challenging gameplay mixed with the beauty and calmness of road trips. The soundtrack immerses me in the game, giving me that sense of wonder. Keep Driving is a perfect unique blend of gameplay and nostalgia for anyone that has no plans but hitting the open road.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a dream come true for Metroidvania fans. Its world is brought to life with vibrant art and a beautifully crafted soundtrack. I love how every boss—each one uniquely designed—becomes an ally, forming the foundation of my attacks. The story is deep and intriguing, though it can get complex at times. For fans of the Metroidvania genre, this is a must-play!
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To fully embraces its chill vibe. From its inviting artwork and vibrant color palette to its relaxed yet engaging match-3 gameplay, every element reinforces the game’s cozy atmosphere. The music enhances this further, setting the perfect mood, while the narrative beautifully captures the essence of friendship and mutual care. By the time I finished my playthrough, I was left wanting more—I felt like I was just beginning to connect with the characters. Spirit Swap is a perfect example of thoughtful, well-executed game design. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good experience, this one’s a must-play.
Antonblast is a delightful and silly platformer that successfully captures the spirit of those retro Wario-style games while still introducing some modern and fun twists. The fluid gameplay, vibrant visuals, and engaging mechanics make it a great pick for anyone who loves a good 2D challenge. The game can get pretty brutal and visually confusing, but its strengths far outweigh these minor issues, making Antonblast a fun and rewarding adventure.
Overall, The House of Da Vinci is an impressive game. If you’re into escape rooms, puzzles, or beautifully designed worlds, this one is absolutely worth your time. Sure, it’s not a free-roaming adventure, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s an intricate, rewarding experience that pulls you into its world and keeps you engaged until the very end.
I Am Future - Cozy Apocalypse Survival blends the charm of cozy gameplay with innovative survival mechanics. From exploring the flooded city rooftops to dismantling everyday objects for valuable resources, the game keeps things engaging without overwhelming you. The combination of quirky robots, automation features, and customizable difficulty levels sets I am Future apart in a crowded genre. Whether you’re building your cozy little corner of the apocalypse or simply enjoying the relaxing rhythm of survival, I Am Future proves a cozy game can still offer plenty of fresh ideas and unexpected moments. I found it to be a truly unique experience that offers comfort and challenge in equal measure.
Fans of puzzle games and ’80s horror movies will find plenty to love in Slayaway Camp 2. The addition of new character types not only enhances gameplay but also allows for more inventive puzzles. While the cartoony art style softens the tone, the game is still a bit gory—though less so than its predecessor—making it unsuitable for younger audiences. That said, Slayaway Camp 2 stands out as one of the best puzzle games on the market, offering a nostalgic and entertaining experience.
All that said, I genuinely enjoyed my time with Star Trek: Legends. While it undeniably feels like a mobile game, accepting that makes it easier to appreciate its charm. It’s not a deep strategy game, nor is it meant to be played for hours on end. However, in short bursts, it’s a fun experience that serves as a great palette cleanser. Star Trek fans, in particular, will appreciate the extensive roster of characters and the deep-cut references woven into the story and characters.
In a VR landscape dominated by shooters, Maestro is a breath of fresh air. The game cleverly combines the joy of conducting an orchestra with fascinating historical insights into the music. Its humor and charm elevate the experience, making it truly unforgettable. Double Jack has crafted a masterpiece with Maestro. If you’re seeking a unique and delightful addition to your Meta Quest library, this game is well worth your time.
Europa hits every mark in my book for a good quality 3D platformer adventure. It follows the story of Zee, an android boy, as he discovers his past told through his father’s journal entries that are scattered across the land. Its captivating art style, music, and engaging story trapped me within its grasp just a few minutes into the game. Gliding through the environment proved to be my best friend and my worst enemy as I successfully dodged enemies but missed a few of the many collectibles hidden throughout this adventure! The emotional impact of this story’s plot twist will live on in my heart as I slide back into life to uncover my own destiny!
Symphonia’s captivating art style, combined with its passionate musical score, created an emotionally resonant experience. The game’s visuals, intricate details, and atmospheric touches like vines and falling leaves, drew me into a world of wonder and mystery. I loved the story it told through the different melodies and musical cutscenes, leaving room for personal interpretation as I explored the world and confronted the threat of silence. The dynamic controls and unique mechanics also added a layer of excitement to each new area. Symphonia offers an unforgettable experience that will resonate with both music lovers and platforming enthusiasts alike. It’s a symphony of fun that will captivate you from the first note to the last. Embrace your inner musical prodigy and pick up your newest instrument, Symphonia.
Entropy Survivors easily earns a spot among my favorite roguelikes, largely in part due to its impressive depth of customization and the satisfying sense of progression with every run. Each attempt feels meaningful, making it hard to resist diving back in for just one more round. The inclusion of online co-op for up to four players adds even more replay value, and I can already see it becoming my go-to game for gaming nights with friends. Plus, it runs beautifully on the Steam Deck, making it easy for me to pick up and play anytime.
Copycat did what it aimed to do, tell the story through the lens of a cat and leap through a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the narrative. The audio cues made me hone in on my own emotions and guide Dawn to overcome her fears and insecurities. I truly did enjoy the game, as I went back through 1.5 more times to finish the Steam achievements, and did find additional items and minigames each time that I didn’t interact with in my first playthrough. One thing that I did find challenging was the quick time events with one at the very end not allowing me enough time to hit all the correct buttons. Thankfully, the timer went away and allowed me to continue forward. If you are looking for an emotional story to play I recommend pouncing on Copycat.
Despite its flaws, I’m willing to forgive Mirthwood because it offers so much. One of my favorite aspects is how the game lets me experience it at my own pace. Social interactions are a major focus—meeting locals, building (or sabotaging) relationships, and even pursuing romance. I can marry, have children, and shape my personal story through these connections. The morality system adds another layer of depth. Certain deeds can raise or lower my morality, and being "all good" isn’t always the best path. For instance, I met a merchant who refused to sell me goods because I hadn’t "gotten my hands dirty" enough. These nuanced mechanics make the world feel dynamic and responsive to my choices. Mirthwood was one of my most anticipated games this year, and its ability to blend depth, freedom, and storytelling exceeded my expectations.
If you enjoy pinball, this table is well worth your time. The ease of access makes it ideal for players of all skill levels. If you’re a fan of horror and pinball, this is a no-brainer—you’ll be chasing high scores and trying to escape the killer for days and weeks to come. This may be my personal favorite original table they've released in quite some time, and it is well worth playing.
Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania doesn't really do anything new with the game. It essentially takes what we know and love about Vampire Survivors and puts a fresh coat of bloody, teary paint on it. But you know what? There's nothing wrong with that. It's a great game and a total time suck (yes that's another vampire reference). Vampire Survivors is one of the best "bang for your buck" games out there this generation, and the Ode to Castlevania DLC only makes it more of a value. Now, go out and buy this right now - and have fun storming the castle!