Merchants of Rosewall presents itself as a cute, pixel-drawn trading and management simulation, a blend of economic strategy and personality-based storytelling. And for a substantial portion of what it is, it succeeds in doing so. But even so, in the end, it doesn’t quite live up to its potential, leaving a lingering sense of disappointment unsatisfied. The appearance of the game is certainly pleasing. The ...
Two Point Museum is a delightful, interactive addition to the Two Point Studios catalog, having built itself a niche for quirkiness and accessibility-focused management sim design. It takes players off on a trip into the bizarre realm of curating a museum, where more emphasis is placed on building experience and less on putting things on the ground. Rather, it’s an odyssey of the weird and the whimsical, a ...
BrokenLore: LOW is a meticulously designed psychological horror experience that emphasizes atmosphere and storytelling over traditional jump scares or action-driven gameplay. It plunges players into the eerie, isolated setting of Kirisame Mura, a secluded Japanese village perpetually shrouded in mist, creating an immediate sense of vulnerability and unease. The game’s visual style, which merges hyper-realistic ...
Combining the classic Warriors gameplay with the roguelike levels of hits like Hades, Warriors: Abyss is one of those “huh” moments that make so much sense on paper. Is it something anybody has ever asked for? Not that I’ve seen. But it’s impossible not to see the potential when it’s pitched right in front of you. Perhaps that’s why it’s a classic shadow drop game. The ...
“Bass Defense” on PC ventures into a captivating and somewhat uncharted territory, effectively merging the strategic depth of tower defense with the rhythmic precision of a music game. This hybrid approach creates a truly unique and engaging experience, demanding players not only strategize their defenses but also execute them with rhythmic accuracy. The core gameplay loop hinges on the ...
Eternal Strands, developed by Yellow Brick Games, weaves a vibrant world and introduces compelling gameplay mechanics, but its ambitious design is occasionally hampered by technical hiccups and repetitive mission structures. Released on PS5 (and other platforms), it presents a visually stunning experience with a unique combat system, but doesn’t quite reach its full potential. Gameplay: A Dance of Magic ...
Aqua Strike isn’t just another VR racing game; it’s a visceral, high-octane blend of speed, skill, and strategic combat, all set against a beautifully rendered aquatic backdrop. While it shares some DNA with other racing titles, Aqua Strike carves its own niche with its unique control scheme and emphasis on weaponized racing. Gameplay: Where Speed Meets Strategy The core gameplay loop is simple to ...
Little Lighthouse of Horror isn’t your typical jump-scare horror game. Instead, it offers a slow burn, a creeping dread that seeps into your bones as you manage the dwindling resources of a lonely lighthouse keeper. Inspired by the Flannan Isles mystery, the game excels at creating a thick, oppressive atmosphere that clings to you long after you’ve closed the game. You play as Lawrence, a man tasked ...
Calico is a charming, low-stress, and cozy game that was released on PC in 2020. The game is set in a small, colorful town where you can run a cat café, befriend the locals, and explore the world around you. The gameplay in Calico is fairly simple. You can decorate your café, cook and bake food, and take care of the cats that live there. You can also complete quests for the townsfolk, which will earn you money ...
Tavern Manager Simulator is a charming and chaotic simulation game where you take on the role of a medieval tavern owner. Released in August 2024, it offers a fun and engaging experience as you build your establishment from a rundown shack to a bustling hub of activity. Gameplay: The core gameplay loop is addictive and satisfying. You start by cleaning up your dilapidated tavern, brewing ale, and serving ...
Red Solstice 2: Survivors Ultimate Edition on PlayStation 5 isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. It’s a tense, strategic, and often chaotic deep dive into a sci-fi universe teetering on the brink of collapse. It’s a game that demands your attention, rewards your planning, and punishes your mistakes. This isn’t a casual pick-up-and-play title; it’s a game that sinks its hooks ...
SCP: Fragmented Minds plunges players headfirst into the chilling, often incomprehensible world of the SCP Foundation, a collaborative fiction project detailing the containment of anomalous entities, objects, and phenomena. This PC title attempts to translate the complex and often terrifying lore of the SCP universe into an interactive horror experience, and while it doesn’t always achieve perfect ...
Blood Bar Tycoon, developed by Clever Trickster Studio and available on PC, presents a darkly humorous take on the tycoon genre. Instead of managing a theme park or a railroad empire, players are tasked with building and running a successful blood bar for vampires. This macabre premise offers a unique spin on familiar mechanics, but does the game truly satiate our thirst for engaging gameplay, or does it leave ...
Crime Scene Cleaner. The title itself is a fascinating juxtaposition. We’re used to crime scenes being meticulously investigated, not cleaned. This concept forms the intriguing core of the game Crime Scene Cleaner, a title that throws players into the often-overlooked aftermath of criminal activity. Instead of solving the mystery, you’re tasked with erasing all traces of it. But is this morbidly ...
Robobeat on the PlayStation 5 presents a compelling fusion of rhythm-based gameplay and fast-paced action, offering a unique experience for players seeking a challenge that engages both reflexes and musicality. This review will delve into the various aspects of Robobeat, assessing its strengths and weaknesses to determine its overall value. The core mechanic of Robobeat revolves around synchronizing player ...
“Stars in the Trash” isn’t just a game; it’s a charming, hand-drawn love letter to classic animation. This delightful platformer tells the story of Moka, a pampered housecat who yearns for adventure beyond the confines of his comfortable home. The game’s greatest strength undoubtedly lies in its stunning visuals. Every frame is a work of art, reminiscent of classic Disney and Don ...
Into the Emberlands, developed by Tiny Roar and published by Daedalic Entertainment, invites players on a charming and whimsical journey through a procedurally generated world. This cozy exploration game, with its hand-drawn art style and focus on community building, offers a unique and relaxing experience. The Premise: Players assume the role of the Light Bearer, tasked with guiding a group of lost villagers ...
The Operator, a narrative-driven thriller, casts players as a rookie operator for the secretive Federal Data Institute (FDI). This isn’t your typical action-packed spy game. Instead, The Operator excels in its immersive world-building and intricate puzzle-solving, offering a unique blend of detective work and surveillance gameplay. Story and Setting: The game unfolds in a near-future where technology has ...
Towers & Powers, the physics-based puzzle game that has captivated players across platforms, makes its leap into virtual reality on the Meta Quest 3. This VR iteration promises to immerse players deeper into the world of whimsical contraptions and ingenious engineering. However, while the core gameplay remains undeniably charming and the VR implementation offers unique advantages, a number of technical ...
Schoolteacher Simulator, a unique blend of education and chaos, offers players a taste of the highs and lows of the teaching profession. While not a perfect replica of reality, it provides a humorous and engaging experience on PC. Gameplay Mechanics: Classroom Management: The core of the game lies in managing a classroom of diverse students. Players must maintain order, address disruptive behavior, and ensure ...
Operation Serpens on Meta Quest 3 delivers a compelling VR experience that effectively blends stealth, puzzle-solving, and action. Set in a chilling near-future dystopia, players assume the role of a covert agent infiltrating a heavily fortified facility. While not without its minor flaws, Operation Serpens offers a captivating and immersive journey that will leave a lasting impression on VR enthusiasts. A ...
Premier League Player VR aims to deliver the authentic thrill of English Premier League football to virtual reality, but ultimately falls short of its ambitious goal. While the game successfully recreates the awe-inspiring atmospheres of iconic stadiums like Old Trafford and Anfield, with meticulous attention to detail and immersive crowd noise, the core gameplay mechanics significantly hinder the overall ...
Stilt, a VR platformer that casts players as a bouncing furball navigating whimsical worlds, offers a unique and captivating experience. Its innovative locomotion system, centered around stilt-based movement, immediately sets it apart from the crowd. A Unique Twist on Platformers: The core gameplay loop revolves around mastering the art of bouncing on stilts. This novel approach transforms familiar platforming ...
So, you’re into cooking shows, maybe you secretly dream of rocking a chef’s hat and whipping up culinary masterpieces under pressure, just like on MasterChef. Well, “MasterChef: Learn to Cook” on Xbox tries to bring that TV kitchen drama right into your living room, and for the most part, it’s a pretty entertaining experience. The core idea is simple: you’re a contestant on a ...
There are some games that hit the zeitgeist so hard that it’s hard not to see them mentioned everywhere. 1000xResist is one of those games. I knew the name long before I knew anything else about it, and the message was clear: you have to play this game. Mostly a visual novel, it tells the story of scandal and betrayal within what is basically a religious cult, and the aftermath of exposing it. It asks ...
Wall Town Wonders, a delightful mixed reality title developed by Otherside Entertainment, has captured the hearts of many VR enthusiasts. It presents a unique blend of city-building, resource management, and whimsical mini-games, all set against the backdrop of your own physical space. A World Built on Your Walls The core concept of Wall Town Wonders is as simple as it is ingenious. You begin by selecting a ...
Diplomacy is Not an Option is a captivating blend of real-time strategy and base-building, set against the backdrop of a grim and gritty medieval world. As a lord, you’re tasked with defending your castle against relentless waves of enemies, each more terrifying than the last. A Haunting New Threat The recent Undead update has injected a chilling new dimension into the game. Players can now choose to ...
When I was told that Sonic Generations was the weakest part of this package, I let out an audible sigh. SEGA remasters are always met with these kinds of comments. I still feel the reactions to the Shenmue set. And yet the truth is Sonic X Shadow Generations really does prove that the best of the Blue Blue is ahead of him… and it took a game starring Shadow to prove it. Sonic Frontiers was brilliant, ...
LEGO Horizon Adventures is a delightful fusion of the iconic LEGO aesthetic and the captivating world of Horizon Zero Dawn. This action-adventure game offers a unique and charming experience, perfect for both longtime Horizon fans and newcomers alike. A World Reimagined in Bricks The game’s most striking feature is undoubtedly its visual style. The lush landscapes and towering machines of the Horizon ...
Human: Fall Flat VR takes the already endearingly clumsy physics-based platformer and catapults it into the realm of virtual reality, resulting in a hilarious, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding experience. The game’s unique blend of slapstick comedy and challenging puzzles is perfectly suited for VR, offering a level of immersion and interaction that elevates the original experience. A World of Wonky ...
