Reviews

When Brace Yourself Games first announced Rift of the NecroDancer, fans of the original Crypt of the NecroDancer were curious—and maybe a little skeptical. How do you take a beloved roguelike rhythm game and spin it into something entirely new without losing its soul? The answer, as it turns out, is by leaning fully into rhythm and doubling down on creativity. Rift of the NecroDancer is not just a sequel; it’s a bold reimagining that trades dungeon crawling for pure…

When you first hear the title The Mosquito Gang, you might expect a quirky indie experiment, and in many ways, that’s exactly what it is—but it’s also a surprisingly clever twist on the asymmetrical multiplayer formula. Developed and published by Space Raccoon Game Studio, this game throws you into a bizarre battle of survival where one unlucky human faces off against a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. It’s chaotic, it’s funny, and it’s unlike anything else on the market right now.…

I’ve spent the last week living in the pocket with Madden NFL 26 on Xbox Series S, and for the first time in a long while, it feels like EA’s football sim is finally moving the chains instead of punting on third down. The on-field speed is snappier, animations finally sell contact without looking like a physics experiment gone wrong, and the broadcast package wraps the whole thing in a Sunday-afternoon vibe that makes even a midseason matchup feel like…

The Voidness by Steelkrill Studio is not your typical horror game. It doesn’t rely on grotesque monsters jumping out from behind corners or cheap tricks to make you flinch. Instead, it strips away one of the most fundamental senses in gaming—sight—and forces you to navigate a world where darkness is absolute and sound can be your undoing. The result is an experience that feels both claustrophobic and vast, intimate and cosmic, and above all, deeply unsettling. You step into the…

Undivine is one of those indie titles that quietly slips onto the scene, but once you dive in, it leaves a lasting impression. Developed by Brainium Games and Deadpix Studios, this Metroidvania-style action RPG invites players into a bleak, mysterious world where every corner hides a secret and every enemy demands your full attention. From the moment you start, it’s clear that Undivine isn’t interested in holding your hand. There’s no glowing path or constant guidance—just you, your instincts, and…

When it comes to kart racers, the bar is sky-high. Games like Mario Kart and Crash Team Racing have set the standard for what makes this genre so addictive: colorful tracks, chaotic power-ups, and that sweet mix of skill and luck that keeps you coming back for “just one more race.” Hot Rod Mayhem rolls onto the PS5 promising all of that and more. After spending plenty of time behind the wheel, I can say this: it’s a good time,…

In an age where our homes are increasingly run by voice assistants and smart devices, Hello Stranger dares to ask: what happens when that technology turns against you? Directed by Paul Raschid—one of the most prolific voices in the FMV (full-motion video) genre—this interactive thriller is a tightly wound, tech-infused descent into paranoia, isolation, and control. The game opens with Cam, a reclusive tech entrepreneur whose life is managed almost entirely by his AI assistant, Sasha. From the moment we…

When you think of Hello Kitty, your mind probably jumps to plush toys, pastel colors, and a world of gentle, sugary sweetness. But Hello Kitty Island Adventure, now available on PlayStation 5, proves that there’s more to Sanrio’s universe than just adorable aesthetics. Originally launched on Apple Arcade, this cozy life-sim/adventure hybrid has made a graceful leap to consoles, and the result is a surprisingly rich and relaxing experience that offers far more than meets the eye. Developed by Sunblink,…

When you first boot up Grandma, No!, you know you’re in for something unusual. This isn’t your typical cozy life-sim or puzzle game. Instead, it’s a chaotic, physics-driven comedy where you step into the sensible shoes of a grandmother who just wants to keep her house in order while babysitting her grandchild. Of course, nothing goes according to plan. What starts as a simple day of chores quickly spirals into a slapstick disaster filled with flying objects, bizarre mini-games, and…

There’s a certain kind of magic in games that don’t just tell a story—but make you feel it. Castle of Secrets, the latest indie release from Serene Questworks Studios, is one of those rare titles that tries to do both. It’s a psychological puzzle adventure wrapped in gothic horror, and while it doesn’t always hit the mark, it’s a game that lingers in your mind long after you’ve put it down. You step into the shoes of Susan Tranton, a…