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Overall, Noreya: The Gold Project offers an interesting blend of historical lore, complex dynamics between humans and gods, and engaging platforming puzzles. While it may not redefine the Metroidvania genre, it provides a solid and enjoyable experience for fans of dark fantasy adventures.
Nine Sols is easily the most challenging Metroidvania game I’ve ever played, but its difficulty is just one facet of what makes it a truly remarkable game. Whether you’re drawn by demanding gameplay, stunning visuals, or immersive storytelling, Nine Sols commands your attention and warrants your time.
Indika is well worth your time, especially if you have a rather complex or—dare I say it—messy relationship with organized religion. Its approach to theology and philosophy doesn’t break new ground but does present these questions within the evolving interactive media of video games. I hope this isn’t the last that we see of the character, her world, or her devil. Even if it is, the game’s final moments will stick with me—haunting the corners of my imagination—for some time.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a casual, easygoing experience with some friends, this isn’t a game I’d recommend. But if you’re up for a legitimate challenge and aren’t worried about potentially losing your mind or loved ones, I can’t give it anything less than a sterling score. Assuming you’re like me and lie somewhere in the middle, I’ve got to split the difference.
El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is an imperfect wonder. On the one hand, its novel world and beautiful sights always kept me interested in exploring what’s around the bend. On the other hand, its simple combat and archaic storytelling hold it back from being more than just a gorgeous vignette. It doesn’t help that the remaster offers little in terms of frills or extras. At $29.99, this is a tough sell for those expecting a “definitive” rerelease in line with modern performance expectations. Still, if you’ve never played El Shaddai before and are curious about what you missed back in 2011, I can’t help but suggest you give it a look. The vibes are that good.
If you like games with zen vibes and a charming story that is rich with puzzles, Paper Trail is likely a game for you. Don’t let its difficulty level scare you away, as there are resources to help you succeed. With this being Newfangled Games’ first game, I’m thrilled to see what they produce next.
I enjoyed a lot of my brief time with The Tower on the Borderland, but too often, the experience felt like a rough draft of what comes next. That said, the game has laid the groundwork for something truly special—a potential series that builds upon and honors the legacy of PlayStation 1-era third-person games that many of today’s players grew up on.
Throughout the approximate three-hour playtime of Duck Detective, players will be treated to delightful dialogue, charming artwork, excellent voice acting, and a satisfactory series of logic puzzles. While the short playtime and price point will be a turn-off for many, fans of the mystery genre will certainly enjoy it.
Hauntii is a beautiful game that often gets in the way of its own contemplated brilliance. It is the game’s quieter moments that will stick with me long after the credits have rolled. At its best, the game presents an interesting, meditative alternative to the usually chaotic twin-stick shooter and challenging puzzle genres.
It’s hard to capture the experience of playing a PlayStation 1 horror game for the first time. Yet, somehow, Crow Country succeeds. Equal parts a love letter and a response to the horror of days long gone, it recaptures both the aesthetic and magic of early 3D horror games, balancing modern updates with classic touches. Though light on fear, Crow Country is a well-polished experience that expertly nails the old-school aesthetic.
Despite its shortcomings, Rose & Camellia Collection is a unique title to own and one you will want to play with friends in local multiplayer. I mean, who DOESN’T want to have a virtual slap battle? Just keep the wonky controls and steep price point in mind.
My biggest problem with Rough Justice: '84 wasn’t even that it didn’t work—it’s that, even when it did, I still just wasn’t having any fun.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is an achievement in storytelling, and its gameplay only complements it, giving players an avatar to live through a universally human experience. The combat, platforming, and exploration are satisfying and thoughtful, combining to create another great entry in a hall-of-fame genre in gaming. I can only hope that the title of the game hints at more tales to come. Surgent Studios has something special on its hands, and this is a developer and IP worth keeping an eye on.
Saviorless is well worth your time. Its brevity isn’t a hindrance, but rather an invitation to an artistic experience with the heart of a visual novel. At its price tag of $12.99, the two- to three-hour journey doesn’t disappoint, providing a haunting if not tragic experience that balances its unsettling violence with its peaceful backdrops. Not a moment is wasted in Empty Head Games’ initial showing. I am excited to see what the Cuban studio creates next.
Ultimately, Kudzu’s reliance on charm and nostalgia fails to conceal its greater failings. Attempting to bring back the gameplay and broader stylings of classic titles can be a tall task, but we can’t lower our standards the way we may have during the actual Game Boy era. Kudzu serves as an uncomfortable reminder that maybe some things deserve to stay in the past.
Botany Manor is a beautiful game that caters to anyone with a love of horticulture, science, or mystery. It’s also an important game, one that tells an effective story about the resilience of women—past, present, and future. In terms of quality, the game delivers. However, at its $24.99 asking price, the three- to four-hour experience (five if you hunt for achievements) may leave you wanting. Thankfully, the game launches day one on Game Pass—and it is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or two. Whether you pay to play or you subscribe to vibe, Botany Manor deserves a look. Bring the brains, and it’ll bring the seeds, the planters, and the heart.
Somehow, despite shouldering almost impossible expectations, Rebirth is a wonder: a marvel of a game that merges the old and nostalgic with the ever-increasing burdens of modern gaming sensibilities and technical prowess. The combat is incredible, fine-tuned to a sharp edge, and a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. Rebirth also justifies its shift toward open-world gameplay with a breadth and depth of content that ranges from simple tasks to deeply involved side quests. Despite a turbulent ending that almost feels more tailor-made to invite speculation than to provide a coherent narrative, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a high watermark of the genre. Its true legacy, however, will ultimately be determined by the final part of this exciting trilogy.
While Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery is far from perfect, I found that after spending an afternoon with it, I could hardly wipe the smile off my face. If you’re interested at all, I would highly recommend getting the whole package and not just trying to play one case at a time. Despite how Frog Detective feels in the beginning, the mysteries do build off one another and get better the deeper you go. By the time you hit the grand finale, the slow start will be a distant memory and the payoff will be well worth it!
Death Trick: Double Blind, while imperfect, is colorful and engaging. Perhaps it’s just like a real day out at the circus—you see some cool tricks, but then you eat too many sweets and you get overwhelmed by the crowds. Yet, at the end of the night, you’re still delighted by what you’ve seen, and you know you’ll remember it. Death Trick: Double Blind won’t be a game everyone enjoys, but it certainly will have its audience. I imagine there will be a lot of fan art. I hope those people—romantics, thinkers, dreamers—find Death Trick: Double Blind and enjoy the ride.
Hadoque’s debut title Ultros is a stunning, colorful Metroidvania. From its opening moments, the game draws the player in with its wondrous color palette and captivating music. Traversing its world—known as the Sarcophagus—feels familiar if not a bit uncanny for those who have played other recent genre titles, like Dead Cells or Hollow Knight. In a crowded and competitive genre, Ultros stands out as a memorizing, psychedelic adventure.