The GameSlayer
HomepageThe GameSlayer's Reviews
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a brilliant, majestic recreation of one of the PS1-era's most beloved JRPGs. Armed with an effortlessly charming diorama art style, impeccable music and an incredible combat system, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is simply breathtaking. There is a bit of a misfire in terms of the voices and how oddly long some of the line deliveries are, but this is a JRPG of such immense quality and care, that skipping it would not be advised. You simply can't miss out on this loving tribute to Dragon Quest's historic past.
"Cairn is one of the most outlandish and experimental Platformers in recent memory, and that big swing pays off. The deep and nuanced climbing mechanics are engrossing and addictive to engage with, and the supplementary survival angle adds more stakes to this already grueling ascent. Some may not click with the methodical traversal, but all in all, Cairn is the best possible version of what it attempts to be. An authentic mountaineering epic that pulls no punches."
Arknights Endfield is a genuinely exciting showing from Hypergryph, building off of their original hit with a massively widened scope. Engaging combat, beautiful locales, and the satisfaction of building a working facility clash with the same sins every Gacha has to commit to keep themselves profitable. If you can appreciate the gradual satisfaction of grinding or watching a factory work, Endfield might just be your newest obsession.
MIO: Memories In Orbit will surely go down as one of the best Metroidvanias of 2026, despite the year being so young. The movement and platforming are top-tier, the vibe immaculate, the map complex, and the combat/boss fights fine-tuned. I wish the story was a little more fleshed out, but this is still a world and journey 100% worth experiencing for any fans of the genre.
"Pathologic 3 continues the series' reboot successfully, crafting a world that's filled with charm and mystery. It's easy to lose track of time in real life as you travel through time to save a town. While it's a strong entry for the series, it can feel too easy and is on the slow side when it comes to pacing."
"After spending enough time in early access, Terra Invicta has rightfully earned its full release badge. Pavonis Interactive has done a colossal job crafting a grand strategy game that simulates things from the influence of the oligarchy in Romanian politics to bloody space battles playing out around far-out alien bases. The awkward pacing and occasional production-value issues are no excuse not to join in defending the Earth from the alien threat or to submit to it. It's your call."
UNBEATABLE is a fantastic example of good things coming to those who wait. D CELL Games has demonstrated mastery of mechanics and narrative and, despite minor polish issues, has delivered with flying colors. D CELL Games rewards patient fans with a truly UNBEATABLE experience. If you love music, art, and the human spirit, you've have to try UNBEATABLE.
Overall, Sleep Awake is an ambitious horror game that swings big with its ideas, and even when it stumbles, it does so with intention. If you're looking for a bite-sized horror game you can finish in a day and still feel terrified, then I'd happily recommend Sleep Awake.
"I can wholeheartedly say that Skate Story is not what I thought it would be. But I'm glad, as what I got was so much more unique and surreal. With an abstract art style, a wonderfully weird story, and one of the finest soundtracks I've ever treated my ears to, Skate Story is truly an experience I would recommend to anyone. I struggle to recommend it as a gaming experience as the pacing, quest design, and skate mechanics all leave a lot to be desired. But all in all, Skate Story is well worth checking out, and a hell of a time."
Death Howl blends Soulslike brutality with deckbuilding and roguelike progression in a way that swallowed me whole, delivering challenging and thought-provoking gameplay wrapped in The Outer Zone's now signature crunchy pixel art and moody color palette. What ultimately makes it shine is its aesthetic: a grimy fusion of SNES-era pixels and atmospheric horror where every sound, creature, and environment reinforces a world that's disgusting, beautiful, and unforgettable. It can be a little tricky to follow along with the narrative, and some aspects felt a bit too slow for my liking, but all-in-all, this is a genre-splice that comes off without a hitch.
As crazy as a 13-year dev cycle may be, Routine was more than worth the wait. Over a decade of dedication to the project has resulted in a masterclass of sci-fi survival horror, the likes of which immersed me completely throughout. The liminal vibes are immaculate, the environmental storytelling top-tier, and the sense of existential dread around each and every corner of yet another claustrophobic corridor is palpable. Some wonky controls and a couple instances of stuck momentum are the only minor issues within an otherwise incredible, rewarding, terrifying experience that feels like a love letter to old-school horror games of the past.
“Marvel Cosmic Invasion is another modern meets retro classic under the Dotemu umbrella. It offers classic comic-book violence with an arcade feel, and a bucket-load of fan service for Marvel fans to look out for as they attempt to save the cosmos. However, above all, the hero tag-team feature feels like a revolution, making even single player runs feel like co-op chaos, which is also an option if you fancy it. It lacks a truly spectacular narrative, and could do with bespoke difficulty settings, but all in all, this is a superb Beat-em-up that does Stan Lee's band of freaks proud.”