Erik Hodges
Nightmare Reaper is an indie gem, the kind of game we don’t see very often, and it would be a shame if more people didn’t get to appreciate it. If you don’t usually play games like this and you’re contemplating giving Nightmare Reaper a try, I highly recommend giving it a shot, you might just find yourself a new favorite.
Wonderlands is an outrageous, comedy-filled adventure that manages to both return to Borderlands’ roots while also offering fresh new takes on the iconic formula of the series. It’s packed with the irreverence the series is known for, and manages to capture a lot of the heart as well.
Wobbledogs is a fantastic game, and there aren’t a whole lot like it. The combination between cute pet interaction game and horrific evolution simulator makes it a niche game that both pet and simulation lovers can enjoy in equal measure. Just remember to clean up after your Wobbledogs, or your next Pupation might be a little weird.
Freedom of choice combined with a wealth of content makes for a game that can be a little intimidating to tackle, but the lack of commitment or direction frees you up to explore it at your own pace. ESO can be a very relaxing game to play, and that’s why I continue to return to it after nearly eight years of playing.
Elden Ring takes the Souls-like franchise in a new direction, much in the same way Sekiro did. It provides you with a world that’s incredibly beautiful, better than any Souls game to come before it in my opinion, and exploring it is as rewarding as it is satisfying.
If you’re a fan of puzzle platform shooters, you can’t go wrong with Soda Crisis. The game simply does everything wonderfully. From the atmosphere, to the visuals, to the fast-paced and varied gameplay, you can tell Soda Crisis was made with passion, and I expect that same passion to be reflected by the game’s player base.
I was starting to drift away from the Elder Scrolls Online, but High Isle brought me back. The wealth of new content is enough to keep any current player interested, but the story itself really makes this expansion stand out from the rest. Returning to its roots, this Elder Scrolls adventure deserves to be remembered alongside the greats, and I hope they take notes from this expansion for future content in both ESO and the Elder Scrolls 6.
High on Life is a surprise hit, blowing away all of my expectations and showing what Squanch Games can really do. Fans of Rick and Morty, Smiling Friends or Oneyplays are going to be drawn to this game because of the names attached to it, but will really be blown away by the fantastic gameplay this title really didn’t need to have.
Blacktail is a game everyone is raving about and with good reason. The stunning little adventure game has a unique experience to sell you and beautiful visuals to show you along the way. While not everyone is going to have the patience to make it through Blacktail’s single-player experience, if any part of it looks interesting to you then I recommend you give it a try, as it’s shockingly cheap.
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is a fantastic game for the right audience. If you’re a huge fan of PS1 JRPGs or a returning Valkyrie Profile player, you will have a fantastic time with this game. It’s hard for me to say what newbies to the genre might think of the game, but as someone who’s dropped a thousand hours in Final Fantasy 7 I can say Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is definitely a 10.
Dead Space is the perfect video game remake. Whether you’re an old fan or a new player, you will find a fantastically gruesome good time with this title. But look out, this horror classic might just leave some scars alongside that nostalgia.
I can’t recommend Pharaoh: A New Era enough. Whether you’re a fan of the classic game or a city-builder who’s never played it, this game will offer you a fantastic experience for a price point you simply can’t beat.
Rytmos is a puzzle game made by musicians, with the goal of giving you a mentally stimulating, musically-enriched relaxing time. In this goal, the game succeeds spectacularly and leaves very little to be wanting.
I was excited for Resident Evil 4, and I’m happy to say the game lived up to the hype. RE4 offers a truly terrifying environment, tense gameplay, and an engaging story filled with great characters, and serves as a fantastic experience for fans both new and old.
Rakuen: Deluxe edition is a great port of a fantastic indie game. Fans who love a great story and want to experience Rakuen’s gorgeous soundtrack and art design now have a new platform to do it on, and I’m looking forward to more games from Morizora Studios.
Terra Nil is a relaxing experience that engages the mind as much as it helps you to turn it off. Free Lives have gone out of its way to make the planet a little greener by using this game to spread the message of conservation, and with the generous donations to charity that came with it.
On the surface, Ravenbound’s simple combat and dour setting might make the game look at bit bland, but what it offers is anything but. In a sea of Roguelikes, Ravenbound remains fresh and engaging and offers a unique experience that fans of the genre would be sore to miss.
Have a Nice Death is one of my new favorites. Between its engaging gameplay, fun characters, and fantastic art design, HaND is sure to go down as one of the best roguelikes I’ve ever played, and a game I’ll be talking about for a long time.
Everspace 2 is a great starfighter game that does plenty of things right and nothing wrong. Fans of the genre will find a new home in this title, and those who disliked the roguelike features in the original Everspace will certainly have a better time in the sequel.
Dead Island 2 is a huge return for the series. Fans of the first game will find much more to enjoy than just their nostalgia in this new title, and I can see a whole new generation of gamers falling in love with zombie-chopping in Hell-A.