Beatrice Eichhorn

“Reus 2 is a worthy successor that delivers the depth and creativity fans of Abbey Games have been waiting for. Its complex systems, diverse elemental giants, and deep planetary economy make for a rich and endlessly replayable experience. However, the clunky and unintuitive console controls often disrupt the flow, so the game truly shines best on PC, where its divine design can unfold without frustration.”

“Love, Ghostie is a surprisingly heartfelt and humorous matchmaking sim that blends emotional depth with charming everyday moments in a ghostly shared flat. Despite the lack of real consequences for failed dates, its polished Switch port and engaging design make it a standout indie experience worth taking on the go.”

“Twinkleby is a charming and relaxing puzzle game that delights with its whimsical inhabitants, cozy atmosphere, and the joy of fulfilling quirky requests. While the collectible sets and treasure chests add motivation beyond the simple puzzles, long loading times and clunky item placement undermine the experience. For players seeking a calming digital escape, it still offers a unique, if unpolished, little gem.”

“Above Snakes offers a fresh twist on the survival-crafting genre with its puzzle-like world-building mechanic, engaging resource variety, and appealing visual style. Unfortunately, frustrating inventory limitations, unclear resource requirements, and an uneven sound design hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the concept is strong and runs well technically, the game still needs polish to become as rewarding as its premise suggests.”

“Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek captures the spirit of the book series but ultimately falls short with a weak story setup, shallow characters, and repetitive gameplay. While the stealth mechanics and hide-and-seek tension show promise, the lack of variety and a simplistic combat system quickly undermine the experience. With stronger storytelling and deeper mechanics, it could have been a far more memorable horror adventure for younger audiences.”

“Kimono Cats is a surprisingly relaxed and charming adventure that transports players to a whimsical, old‑Japan‑style animal fair, blending bubble‑shooting mechanics, varied mini‑games, and a light village‑building narrative into an enjoyable, low‑pressure experience. While the loot‑box element and limited replay value beyond the 18 levels leave a slight sour note, the cute visuals, fitting soundscape, and overall soothing gameplay make it a delightful pick for fans of short, cozy titles.”

“The Wandering Village delivers an impressive, captivating experience on Xbox Series S, evolving beautifully from Early Access into a full release. Its unique premise of building a nomadic village on the back of a colossal creature, enhanced by a new emotional story mode and a Studio Ghibli-esque art style, creates an incredibly atmospheric and immersive world. While minor frustrations exist with vague villager needs and clunky console menu controls, these are easily overlooked in what is ultimately an outstanding and highly recommended city-builder with heart.”

“Islanders: New Shores on Xbox Series S offers a familiar yet significantly enhanced experience compared to its Steam predecessor, drawing players in with its minimalist city-building puzzle gameplay and improved graphics. Despite minor control quirks and a less appealing sandbox mode, the game provides a deeply engaging and relaxing puzzle experience, making it a highly successful and captivating evolution.”

“Distant Bloom enchanted me with its peaceful world, accessible gameplay, and charming characters, just as the PC demo had promised. Unfortunately, the Switch version suffers from serious technical issues—framerate drops, awkward loading, and lighting problems—that overshadow the game's potential, leaving me hopeful for a patch to let its true charm shine through.”

“Pilo and the Holobook charms with its hand-drawn art style and the cheeky personality of its protagonist, offering a light, accessible adventure perfect for younger players. While some technical hiccups and a lack of depth in the Holobook mechanic hold it back, the colorful planets and playful tone make for an enjoyable experience. It’s a sweet, non-violent journey that’s especially well-suited for kids aged 9 to 12.”

“Spilled! is a charming indie game with a heartfelt environmental message and a relaxing, vibrant world perfect for a short escape from everyday life. While the controls can be frustrating and the ending a bit questionable, its peaceful vibe and low price make it a worthwhile experience for those who care about the ocean and don’t mind a few rough edges.”