Samantha Lienhard Avatar Image

Samantha Lienhard


Favorite Games:
  • Tales of Symphonia
  • Ace Attorney
  • Silent Hill 4

84 games reviewed
80.0 average score
80 median score
69.0% of games recommended

Samantha Lienhard's Reviews

I'm a horror and fantasy author as well as a freelance writer. I love a wide variety of video game genres, especially RPGs.
Sep 19, 2018

Although short, The Gardens Between is a relaxing puzzle game with unique ideas and a nostalgic, bittersweet snapshot of childhood friendship.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0 - Lamplight City
Sep 12, 2018

If you enjoy mysteries and detective stories, it’s hard to go wrong with Lamplight City. While the puzzles might not be as challenging as in other games in the genre, the narrative takes center stage and provides a memorable experience.

Read full review

Sep 26, 2017

If Capcom decided to continue this spin-off series, it will be welcome news.

Read full review

4 / 5.0 - Tokyo Dark
Sep 19, 2017

At times, Tokyo Dark feels like it would have been better as a pure visual novel, but despite some repetition, its storytelling comes through to make it an intriguing—and sometimes disturbing—experience.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0 - The Last Birdling
Sep 6, 2017

The Last Birdling is neither a long story nor a happy one, but it is a moving visual novel that deals with dark themes alongside questions of friendship and love.

Read full review

Aug 11, 2017

While Fate/Extella suffers from repetition and does little to ease new players into the universe, its fast-paced action and exciting story are ultimately worth it.

Read full review

Jul 29, 2017

Fallen Legion: Sins of an Empire and Fallen Legion: Flames of Rebellion try to tell a grand story, but their flaws hold them back despite an entertaining and unusual battle system.

Read full review

Jul 24, 2017

The Lion’s Song is short, but its characters, connections, and choices make it worthwhile for anyone intrigued by the idea of a story that follows multiple characters in their search for inspiration.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0 - Little Nightmares
May 1, 2017

Little Nightmares might leave you with more questions than answers, but the strange, macabre journey should keep you wanting more.

Read full review

Mar 3, 2017

Its four episodes build up such an intriguing, unsettling atmosphere, the experience is well worth it for fans of horror stories.

Read full review

Feb 9, 2017

Alone With You doesn’t delve as deeply into its existential themes as you might expect, and its romance elements are light, but it still provides an enjoyable experience and an interesting story about the only survivor of a sci-fi disaster.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0 - Owlboy
Nov 29, 2016

Owlboy fantastic, fun game filled with clever battles, collectibles, and plenty of secrets. While its ending is lackluster, the journey there is well worth it nevertheless.

Read full review

3.5 / 5.0 - EARTHLOCK
Oct 12, 2016

Storytelling and character development aren’t Earthlock’s strongest points, but it has some interesting twists on classic JRPG gameplay. If you miss those classic games, Earthlock: Festival of Magic is worth a look—just don’t expect anything earthshaking.

Read full review

Although Spirit of Justice doesn’t utilize all of its mechanics to their full potential, it is filled with the strong storytelling and humor fans of the series expect. It is a must-play for any Ace Attorney fan.

Read full review

Aug 12, 2016

A.W.: Phoenix Festa combines the action RPG and dating sim genres, but unfortunately doesn’t excel at either.

Read full review

4 / 5.0 - I Am Setsuna
Aug 1, 2016

Despite minor frustrations and a predictable plot, I Am Setsuna contains enough charm and entertainment to please players nostalgic for the classic era of JRPGs.

Read full review

Jun 23, 2016

Though it could use a little more polish, Shrouded in Sanity is an intriguing and challenging experience that should appeal to fans of Souls games and H.P. Lovecraft.

Read full review

Jun 4, 2016

Detective Hunt – Crownston City PD is a little rough around the edges, but its multiple paths and intertwined stories show potential.

Read full review

4 / 5 - Kathy Rain
May 12, 2016

Despite a few loose ends and some annoyances, Kathy Rain is an intriguing mystery well worth your time.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0 - Goetia
Apr 28, 2016

If you’re comfortable with the high difficulty of its puzzles, Goetia is an enjoyable adventure game with a dark and intriguing story.

Read full review