The Planet Crafter provides a free new injection of green life to the survival genre. As opposed to starting in a forest and chopping trees down. You are instead creating that forest from nothing. The game employs familiar crafting and survival elements that have been seen in many other games. I think the only deterrent to some players is there is a lot of busy work in this game that may not click with people not taken with the genre in previous attempts. However, if you are new to the genre, Planet Crafter is a great starting point. And if you are a fan of the genre, it brings plenty of that addictive crafting gameplay and exploration, which will keep you hooked for some time. Add onto that the ability to play with friends, and you may just have your next online game, a night game. As for me, I can see myself jumping on this on Steam Deck for some time in the coming year and possibly beyond.
Freedom Planet 2. takes all its assets from the first game and builds on them in every way creating a sequel that is more polished. If you loved the first game or retro platformers, this is a must-buy. Even if you just want a solid good platformer, Freedom Planet 2 provides some solid entertainment to keep you busy for several gaming weekends, with plenty of incentive to return again. For me, the story was a bit too heavy in places, and the performance sometimes slowed. But despite these minor niggles it’s hard not to be sucked in by the charm of Freedom Planet 2.
Caves of Lore is an impressive RPG in so many ways. If you just judge it by the game alone, it’s a deep and engaging RPG that allows plenty of player choice regarding how to proceed through the experience. Sure, there are rough edges. Battles can feel excessive at times, and it can be tricky to figure out how to progress. However, it’s an experience that is just as enjoyable in small gaming bursts as it is on long, lazy weekends. Then we get to the price, which is an utter steal for the quality of the product on display here. On top of all this, Caves of Lore is an inspiration to anyone wanting to take on a big project and maybe a little scared to take the first step. Caves of Lore is evidence with a lot of patience and dedication you can get there no matter what your circumstances are in life. I absolutely recommend this, and even if you feel this is not the game for you, be sure to tell a friend about it or just consider gifting it to them on Steam.
I did not enjoy Pocket Fishing. It’s been some time since a game made me genuinely as miserable as this. Awful controls combined with bugs and glitches made this a game I can not recommend in its current state. Possibly, with some significant tweaking and optimization for the Nintendo Switch, this game may become a straightforward fishing game to enjoy in small bursts. But that’s not the game I played here.
Rebel Transmute is a good action adventure, but it’s not for everyone, including myself. The difficulty of this game is pretty harsh in the first half of this game, with fiddly platforming and touch-as-nails boss fights requiring quick reactions and patience to succeed. It’s a barrier of stress that won’t work for everyone. If you can make it through, there is plenty to like. Customizing your build with various augmentations provides flexibility to the gameplay, and once you have a huge map to explore, you will have multiple secrets to uncover. So, if you find most adventure games too easy, then consider this your next gaming project.
One More Dungeon 2 is a step up from its predecessor in terms of graphics and gameplay. But it doesn’t quite shine in all areas on Nintendo Switch. Combat and platforming feel clunky, and the performance on Nintendo Switch takes a hit, likely due to its hardware. Despite my niggles every time I finished a run, I still had the itch to try one more dungeon. So long as you can put up with some rough edges, One More Dungeon 2 still makes for some good looting.
Cat and Ghostly Road is a beautiful looking point-and-click that’s short and keeps its challenge in the mild setting. It doesn’t reinvent the formula, making it feel much more appealing to casual players looking for a straightforward game to enjoy over a few nights of playing. As someone who doesn’t love this genre or cats, I still find myself liking the game. I loved exploring the spirit world, and the game inspired me to look into reading more about this type of mythology, even if the game doesn’t choose to take the time to do that. This cat is okay in my book.
Berserk Boy is slick and stylish platforming action. Considering a solo developer made this, this is an impressive achievement. It may take many pieces of inspiration from the retro greats, but it all comes together to make a great adventure. For me it fell a little short with meaty health boss fights and its slow paced hunting the enemy segments. But when exploring and taking in the core levels I was having a blast. An addictive soundtrack and detailed pixel art style further helped this. I easily recommend Berserk Boy to any action-adventure fan, modern or retro. If Berserk Boy ever did want to venture into the realm of Saturday morning cartoons, I’d probably watch it.
Though I seem harsh on Cavern of Dreams in places, I feel this game absolutely achieves what it sets out to do. It is a throwback collectable platformer that feels just like the N64 era of gaming, only at a much cheaper price point. With its focus on exploration, puzzle solving and no combat, it does make it feel familiar but unique compared to other N64 platformers. The question for you will be, is that an era you want to return to? This is a game that doesn’t hold your hand and leaves you to figure things out for yourself. But at the same time, you do get to play an adorable red dragon. But if you’re looking for a more Zen-like casual experience, this might not be for you. For me, Cavern of Dreams brought me to the conclusion that I am getting old and that my tolerance for games of this design is not as strong as it once was. But I still appreciate what it’s achieved.
Spear Master recaptures the pick-up-and-play arcade spirit but doesn’t bring much new to those who are familiar with the formula. What it does well. Solid controls, easy-to-pick-up gameplay and a surprisingly touching story. But I honestly was left wanting more. For its low price point, I think this is well worth considering if you want a simple arcade experience alone while waiting for the train. But equally, it may make a pretty good game night game with a group of loved ones. Certainly, give it a look and remember to be careful with sharp objects.
Overall, Jusant is a wonderful experience and a climb well worth starting if you’re looking for a short but engaging adventure. Unlike many games in this genre, Jusant’s traversal of the environment feels unique. Its climbing mechanics are so engaging I had just as much fun exploring the world and taking in the experience as feeling the need to seek out collectables. This is DON’T NOD bringing their A game. Successfully conveying an emotional story by saying very little. When I finally reached the top of the mountain, I was not disappointed, and hopefully, you won’t be either.
qomp2 is a pretty good puzzle adventure. The simple controls certainly make for an enjoyable experience that puzzle fans will enjoy in small bursts, maybe after a long day at work or before bed. I’ll be honest: the gameplay didn’t fully click for me. I often found it frustrating to get my ball to head just the right way, and while the gameplay has that Zen-like feel to it, I found the quick deaths quite frustrating towards the end of the game. I did, however, like the reworking of the Pong formula and creating an entire game from the simple concept of a ball escaping. All in all, Qomp2 is a unique puzzler, and any game that attempts something original is good in my book.
Promenade successfully recaptures that additive collectable gameplay in 2D form. Once I started collecting, I just found I couldn’t stop. The game may borrow ideas from other platformers. I feel it certainly adds enough personality to stand on its own. This is thanks to varied level design and its charming graphical design. Promenade falls a little short in some areas. Controls can be unforgiving in some of the tougher platform segments, and some of the ideas introduced in the game, like stealth, don’t always click. But despite these flaws, I found myself eager to explore the levels, finding as many cogs as I could. I highly recommend Promenade to any platforming fan or those looking for a positive gaming experience.
Dungeonoid 2 Awakening is a decent arcade game, but it doesn’t meet its full potential. The ball and paddle gameplay is just as addictive as it ever was in the arcade. Making the game a scrolling adventure gives the game its own unique take on the design, but adding a time limit and aggressive spawning of power downs really detached me from the gameplay, severely reducing the pull to continue on. Maybe this could be tweaked with patches. As it stands, I only recommend Dungeonoid 2 Awakening to the most dedicated arcade fans.
Jett Rider brilliantly blends exploration with arcade action to create a gameplay experience that’s hard to put down after you take off from your jet pack the first time. The game may have limitations with its narrative and graphics, but this is more than made up for by its core gameplay focus. With a focus on arcade gameplay, it manages to set itself apart, appealing to retro fans and gamers who like a good adventure. Tied in with a nice price point, I absolutely recommend Jet Rider.
Electrician Simulator is a good entry in the ever-expanding genre. It is an intriguing look into a career that educates as well as entertains at the same time. The game is absolutely suited to all audiences, possibly the younglings (or oldlings) who are curious about the career or folk who love their simulator games. I found I enjoyed it best in small doses, taking on a few missions at a time. Like all simulator games, I did hit a point where I found rewiring just got a bit boring, which was more notable in the larger missions. But that is often what is the draw for many players. Electrician Simulator also plays it very safe in terms of its design. Many simulator games follow the same template of taking on missions and earning money and not much else. Electrician Simulator does what it does well but also doesn’t take any risks or add much new to the simulator genre. If you’re looking for something relaxing to start the year off or fancy a new virtual career change, I still recommend Electrician Simulator.
Tools Up! Ultimate Edition is the definitive version of a co-op title that may have flown under the radar for some gamers. While there’s probably not enough here to warrant a second purchase for previous players, this is a fantastic purchase for anyone new. Decent in solo mode but a lot of fun in co-op with some loved ones. The controls are simple and accessible, and the inclusion of a casual mode makes this suited to all gamers of various skill levels. Tools Up! Ultimate Edition falls a little short with its lack of online and some fiddly controls in places, but the experience was enjoyable overall and, most of all, fun. If you’re looking for the next game night game, this comes highly recommended.
Raccoo Venture is a good 3D platformer standing tall next to the games of the 90s it takes inspiration from. A channelling adventure with plenty of variety in gameplay that comes highly recommended to experienced platform players. However, its design may not suit the more casual crowd. Platforming and boss fights can be incredibly punishing in places far from the innocent graphical design it reflect. As for me, I welcomed the challenge, and despite my issues, I still enjoyed my time with the game. Another reason I liked it is the game made my son laugh hysterically. Something about the raccoon’s butt bounce had him in fits of giggles. Now, the game will be a cherished memory for me forever.
To sum up I did like Hammerwatch II but it’s not a game that’s going to work for everyone. I absolutely praise the developers for not simply copying the formula of the previous games and slapping an II on the box. But this is not a pick-up-and-play experience like the prior games. It took me several hours and 3 character restarts to wrap my head around things. But once the game finally clicked I did start to enjoy myself. Although the experience felt much more geared to co-op play. This steep learning curve will not work for everyone and I can see some players jumping out of the game out of sheer frustration. But if you can overcome this hurdle there is much fun and depth to discover with Hammerwatch II made all the more enjoyable if you can bring a friend along for the adventure.
headbangers:Rhythm Royale is a positive and upbeat take on the battle royale formula, which I liked. I wasn’t very good at it, but I enjoyed its humorous pigeon presentation and family-friendly feel. Unlike several battle royale games, I appreciated the game currently has no battle pass, just DLC for cosmetic outfits. This is much more appealing to gamers like me who just want to dip in and out of the experience occasionally and not treat the game like a second job. Like many battle royale titles, the novelty of the experience wears off once you have repeated the same mini-games repeatedly. The game is currently on season 2 which gives the impression the developers are continuing to support it. As it stands now, it’s good. But time will tell if its fan base will last in a competitive genre.