The Gamerheads Podcast 's Reviews
Ruffy and the Riverside is a love letter to platforming games that have come before, and I feel like we don’t get these types of creative and charming platformers as much these days. I am hoping that Zockrates Laboratories, the developers of Ruffy and Riverside, as well as other indie developers, keep the platforming genre alive for years to come.
Bravely Default is the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Its story and gameplay remain some of the best the RPG genre has to offer, and the addition of new minigames does a great job showcasing the Joy-Con’s mouse controls. If you’ve never played Bravely Default before, you’re in for a treat. And if you have? Returning to this world on the Switch 2 feels just as rewarding—if not better—than the first time around.
StarVaders is the epitome of a well-crafted deckbuilder—full of customization, packed with replay value, and infused with the spirit of a tactical board game. The art is fantastic, and the variety in classes and characters kept me up late, run after run, discovering new strategies and refining my playstyle. Every session felt fresh. If you’re a fan of board games, deckbuilders, or just smart, satisfying design, StarVaders absolutely deserves a spot in your collection.
I never truly felt lost while playing, even if some of the puzzles didn’t make complete sense right away, it just meant that I had some more exploring to do! The constant rotation of discovering a new seed, determining the correct clues that fit the growing conditions, and producing a magical dream-like plant never felt monotonous. Despite my small issue with motion sickness, Botany Manor was still a delightful experience and left me wanting more seeds to discover and cultivate. I encourage you to try the game whether you are a puzzle game lover or not, as the cozy aesthetic outweighs the challenge of the hardest puzzle- which truly isn't that stressful!
What makes Into the Restless Ruins work is that I’m in total control of my destiny. Sure, I’m at the mercy of the draw when it comes to what cards I get to build my labyrinth—but ultimately, it’s up to me to decide how I lay out each run. The game loop just clicks. There are six dungeons to explore—each one more challenging than the last. If you’re a fan of Vampire Survivors or Blue Prince, this should absolutely be on your radar.
Wizordum brings back the classic charm of first-person shooters—something I didn’t realize I missed until I jumped into this game. It rewards exploration, with plenty of secrets to uncover and treasure to find, and the end-of-level score system gives it a satisfying arcade feel that encourages replaying levels. I did experience some motion sickness while playing on my PC and Steam Deck, which eased up when I switched to playing on a TV—so that might be something to keep in mind if you’re prone to motion sickness. That aside, Wizordum scratched a nostalgic itch I didn’t even know I had—and I’m glad I got to experience this game.
Skies Above is a beautifully crafted roguelike with a lot of heart and some well-thought-out mechanics. Each run feels meaningful, and with multiple progression systems, there’s always something new to unlock. That said, I never felt like the upgrades let me truly customize how I played—most of them just made me stronger, not different. Still, the game is a lot of fun, and it kept pulling me back in for just one more run.
Any horror game that gets me to play it—and actually enjoy it—is worth checking out. Sorry We’re Closed weaves a heartfelt narrative of heartbreak and loneliness through a cast of charming, memorable characters. The ability to switch between isometric and first-person perspectives is well-executed, and the third-eye power adds a clever twist to both puzzles and combat. I didn’t know what to expect when I first booted it up, but I found myself deeply connected to the characters and their stories. Don’t sleep on this game—Sorry We’re Closed is doing things I haven’t seen in many other games.
I love Promise Mascot Agency. It’s exactly what I look for in a game—quirky, memorable, and totally unique, while still incorporating familiar mechanics that feel right at home. In many ways, it’s a cozy experience, letting me explore and engage with the world at my own pace. The full Japanese voice acting was an unexpected but welcome touch that really adds to the immersion. If you’re looking for an open-world business management game that’s delightfully weird and doesn’t take itself too seriously, I highly recommend Promise Mascot Agency.
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.