Mahi Araf

“Dark Auction is a game that trusts you. It trusts you to pay attention. It believes you will think before you judge. It trusts you to think about things that make you uncomfortable. It doesn’t rush you. It doesn’t always try to impress you. Instead, it slowly builds a world, introduces flawed people, and asks you to listen.”

“A faithful but uneven collection. Fighting Force 1 remains fun with modern conveniences, while Fighting Force 2 drags everything down. Best suited for nostalgic fans who know exactly what they are getting.”

“There is potential here with Code Violet, and with more experience and refinement, a sequel from Team Kill Media could be something worth getting excited about. As it stands, though, Code Violet is a code red. It wants to be Dino Crisis so badly, and sometimes it gets close, but it never quite delivers the experience the trailers promise.”

“Cricket 26 - The Official Game of the Ashes awards good timing and decision-making, whether you're trying to beat tight totals, protect a small score, or play in career or franchise modes. Cricket 26 is a big step forward in cricket video games. It has better graphics, more responsive gameplay, and dramatic cutscenes. It successfully combines the excitement of fast-paced cricket with the strategic depth that fans have come to expect from Big Ant Studios. Cricket fans all over the world can look forward to hours of engaging gameplay.”

“Silly Polly Beast is a great indie game that might really be a candidate for horror game of the year. Its tale is morally ambiguous and has story beats that aren't always clear. And the gameplay is so good that it keeps the tension high all the time, and I mean all the time.”

“Slots & Daggers is a deceptively simple but deeply engaging slot machine roguelite that succeeds by blending chance-driven gameplay with strategic depth and satisfying progression.”

“Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed isn't a complex or difficult racing simulation, but it doesn't have to be. Its accessibility and outrageous songs are what make it so appealing. It is a lighthearted homage to the Netflix series and the Hot Wheels brand.”

“Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny isn’t perfect, but it’s the pinnacle of Nicktoons gaming. If you’ve ever wanted to see SpongeBob, Jimmy Neutron, Timmy Turner, and Danny Phantom team up and basically be the Avengers, but for Nickelodeon instead of Marvel, then play this game. It’s a reminder of why we loved these shows in the first place.”

“ASKA doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it adds enough twists to stand apart from the copy-and-paste survival gimmick you see these days. The blend of survival and management, along with Norse myth, creates a loop that you enjoy despite the flaws that come with the game. Sand Sailor Studio's ambition shines through, but I hope they've taken notes on what they can do better.”

“CULTIC: Chapter Two is worth your time. If you've got even a shred of love for the boomer shooter genre, this is the one. It's creepy, it's brutal, and it's stylish as hell, a perfect homage to the RE franchise. Three years was a long wait, but it was worth every second.”

“Moros Protocol delivers a fun, messy, and surprisingly deep experience that rewards both careful planning and chaotic improvisation. It's a game that doesn't hold your hand, but every risk taken makes you feel godly. For y'all boomer shooter lovers, it's a game that I heavily recommend.”

“Shape of Dreams succeeds because it doesn't just copy what other roguelikes have done. The ability to constantly rewrite your character mid-run makes experimentation the heart of the game. With good fighting and a progression system that makes you feel good about yourself, this roguelike is great even when it's still warm from the oven. There is always a fresh way to explore the dreamy yet scary world, whether you are playing alone or with pals in four-player co-op.”

“Mortal Sin is not perfect by any means, but coming from a solo dev, we can cut the man some slack, right guys? It excels in what matters most for a roguelike, which, truth be told, remains combat and strategy, and the game ticks those boxes.”

“Robots at Midnight is fun. It nails its retro-futuristic aesthetic, its combat feels good in motion, and the story itself is worth playing the game for. Zo is a solid protagonist, and the MITT gauntlet is a clever tool that helps both exploration and combat.”

“Dungeon Stalkers is a game that looks great, plays well enough to keep you engaged, and could become a staple in the PvPvE space if the developers continue to fine-tune combat and maybe lessen monetization. For now, it’s a rocky start, but Dungeon Stalkers has laid the foundation for future success here, but if the mistakes persist, the game also may succumb to a dungeon of obscurity.”

“Deadzone: Rogue does not ask for excuses. It's fun; it's chaotic. If you're looking for a fast, clean FPS with a roguelite backdrop, tight gunplay, and progression that doesn't treat you like a spreadsheet, $20 is an absolute steal. It's just a solid game that's flying under the radar right now.”

“UFO 50 is, in and of itself, a library of memories and of games lost in time. It holds the capability to bring a chronically online generation back to the glory days of the roaring 80s. UFO 50 is one of the most impressive collections of games you'll ever come across. Once you overcome the initial skepticism, since compilations like these do end up being such cash grabs, you'll find out that UFO 50 is not your average game compilation; it's an indie classic in the making.”

“Artis Impact stands out because it knows exactly what it wants to be. It offers a tightly crafted experience where simplicity is its biggest strength, and that's a rare sight to see in an ever-growing world of RPGs. The slow pacing may not appeal to everyone, but the game is rewarding, only if you've got a little humanity to spare.”

“Hotel Galactic is truly galactic to the eyes, but once you get your hands on it, you are thrown right back down to earth. It's hard not to be disappointed, given the promise it displayed, but it fell short at the finish line.”

“The King is Watching is one of those games that looks simple superficially but hides a surprising amount of depth once you dig deep enough. It's tough, endlessly replayable, and driven by a core mechanic that's both fun and smart. The game respects your time, challenges your mind, and never asks for more money post-purchase.”