Game8's Reviews
On Your Tail is a lovely indie detective-life sim title with a charming cast, intriguing plot, and bright graphics that has hours upon hours of content for players to explore...if you can get past its technical issues and sluggish loading, that is. What is essentially a great indie game is bogged down by its performance issues that take away from the gameplay experience.
Rogue: Genesia is a hypnotic bullet hell roguelite that’ll have you saying, “Just one more run…” for hours. While the challenge fades as you grow stronger, the thrill never does.
Atelier Yumia doesn’t really take big risks, but it still manages to keep things fun. The combat’s a solid step up from past games, and gathering isn’t nearly as much of a chore anymore—though you’ll still manage to trip over the tiniest rock now and then. It looks great (sometimes too great for its own good if your PC isn’t ready), and the soundtrack’s an easy win. Sure, the $70 price tag might sting a little, but with how much content there is and the replay value, it’s not a bad deal. Just be ready for some of the dialogue to get a little in-your-face at times.
Him: the Smile & bloom is a purely narrative-driven experience with occasional dialogue choices that determine the outcome of each storyline. Players can experience four romance archetypes each with multiple endings. The game features anime-inspired visuals, a beautifully crafted opening sequence, and an OST that enhances key emotional moments. However, its limited interactivity and frustrating character writing may not appeal to everyone.
Wanderstop isn’t just another cozy game—it’s a thought-provoking journey wrapped in the aesthetic of one. While some gameplay elements feel a bit restrictive and the lack of closure in many narratives might not be for everyone, the storytelling and themes are nothing short of masterful. It’s a game that lingers in your mind long after you’ve stepped away, gently challenging you to rethink how you perceive healing, control, and self-worth.
Beyond the Ice Palace 2 is the sequel no one expected—35 years frozen in time, now reborn with nostalgia and a heart of ice. Its stiff controls feel straight out of the ‘80s, but beneath the frost lies gothic charm, slick chain combat, and rewarding exploration.
Sugardew Island is another entry into the ever-popular farming simulator genre that aims to deliver a cozy, no pressure gameplay experience. However, the experience quickly turns from cozy to frustrating given the game's bugs and glitches, unintuitive control scheme, and limiting energy bar.
WWE 2K25 is the refinement of every aspect that they’ve already built on. It may as well be the perfected version of their intended design, as not much has changed in the actual gameplay and only adds a couple of new things here and there. Hopefully, the new online game modes are not a sign of things to come since pay-to-win live service game modes have been 2K’s thing in their other sports releases.
Carmen Sandiego’s 2025 rendition is a charming new title that adds on to the beloved series. Full of puzzles, minigames, and fun facts about countries and landmarks all at the palm of your hand in one stunning modern style. However, its steep price tag, PC optimization issues, and forgettable soundtrack might dampen the experience a bit.
If there’s one word that perfectly describes Split Fiction, it’s “fun.” The levels are amazing, the story is entertaining enough, and there’s no shortage of joy in exploring with friends what is essentially a virtual playground. It’s such a blast that I can’t help but hope Split Fiction, fingers crossed, will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, It TakesTwo, and rake in the same well-deserved accolades.
Two Point Museum proves that the series remains one of the best at creating hilarious simulation strategy games. It retains the signature Two Point formula, from its charming visuals and audio to its engaging building and staff management. New features like exhibits and expeditions add an extra layer of fun, making it easy to lose track of time while playing.
Blood Typers is a wildly creative idea executed with impressive finesse—though not without a few stumbles. Its bonkers premise and unique gameplay make it worth checking out, even if sparse save points and stubborn bugs cause frustration. Still, the aesthetics and sound design nail the vibe, and at just ten bucks, it’s a steal. Not bad for a game where you type random words to cave in skulls.
Monster Hunter Wilds improves on everything that the predecessors have to offer and then some; it's everything you want out of a sequel and surpasses the high standard set by the likes of World and Rise.
I summon Pot of Mid to draw 14 mediocre games from Konami’s Yu-Gi-Oh! library! Sure, it’s fun to revisit some of these classic titles, even if some of them don’t quite live up to the hype. Maybe next time Konami will summon a more exciting lineup, but for now, we’re left with a handful of cards that, while decent, don’t offer much beyond a trip down memory lane.
Reality Break is a game of extremes. The combat is fantastic, the loot system is top-tier, and the in-run mechanics are engaging across the board (except, perhaps, the story). On the other hand, the metagame progression and accessibility options are about as barebones as they can get. For all its sci-fi pedigree, Reality Break comes with an equal share of issues that need fixing.
All aboard the hype ship, for RGG be chartin’ a course to pure treasure with Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza! This be a tale as grand as the seven seas, tellin’ the legend of an ex-Yakuza turned swashbucklin’ scallywag! With a story and adventure ye won’t soon forget, this be a voyage filled with plunderin’, brawlin’, and enough high-seas hijinks to make even the saltiest sea dog grin! Yo-ho!
Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog channels the charm of the PC-98 era, not just in its appearance, but also in its spirit. It may be a brief experience, but don’t let that fool you—this Gun-Dog has plenty of bite. With echoes of classic mecha anime and space-age adventures, this game shoots for the stars and hits its mark.
Afterlove EP hits deep, like a song that lingers after the last note. Its heartfelt story and striking visuals resonate, but the barebones gameplay feels like a missed beat. Still, branching choices keep it engaging, and its manga-inspired art and soulful soundtrack ensure the experience stays with you.
Avowed is a deeply immersive RPG that excels in storytelling, world-building, and meaningful player choices. Its rich narrative, flexible character progression, and strategic combat create an engaging experience that keeps players invested. While the mana system and quest structure can feel restrictive at times, the game’s strong writing, vibrant world, and rewarding gameplay more than make up for it. Obsidian delivers a compelling adventure that stands as one of the best narrative-driven RPGs in recent years.
Keep Driving is a road trip themed adventure-RPG with resource management elements that takes you on a cross-country journey in the warm confines of your car. With familiar RPG elements, stunning pixel art, tons of content to discover, this road trip fantasy will surely be a great addition to any cozy RPG fan’s library.