Harry Glynn Jones

“In much the same way FEZ once did, Cassette Boy reminded me that perspective is not just a mechanical trick, but a way of thinking. By asking the player to actively look at the world differently, to question what exists, what doesn’t, and why, it creates moments of quiet wonder that feel increasingly rare in modern games. Cassette Boy may present itself as small, nostalgic, and unassuming, but beneath that familiar surface lies a game deeply interested in curiosity, perception, and the joy of discovery. Cassette Boy isn’t just about how changing our perspective can be important; it can also be incredibly rewarding.”

“There’s something special about GIGASWORD. Beneath its technical flaws and occasional frustrations lies a game built with real care, a throwback that manages to feel both familiar and fresh. It’s rough around the edges, certainly, but every pixel and puzzle carries the mark of a creator swinging for something big. I genuinely enjoyed my time with it, even when its issues got in the way, and I hope future updates can smooth out the experience so more players can appreciate what’s here. Like its protagonist burdened by his colossal blade, GIGASWORD stumbles under its own weight, but still manages to stand tall in the end.”

“Spooky Express isn’t just a puzzle game that has a lick of Halloween paint thrown over it; it intertwines the game’s mechanics and theming to create a fun, approachable, and cleverly designed series of puzzles that will have fans shrieking with delight.”

“Henry Halfhead is a brief, joyful experience that highlights the significance of play. It is a game that invites you to have fun, try stuff out, see what you can do, build, and achieve, without the pressure to be the best or improve some skill set. The wacky premise, unique gameplay, and focus on creativity and discovery amount to the perfect environment for players to find their own fun.”

“With Öoo, Nama Takahashi has made another charming and creative puzzle game that I found immensely enjoyable, with just the right amount of challenge from start to finish. It is another great example of his design ethos on mechanics and their implementation, where the joy and satisfaction of successfully applying the knowledge you have learned is your reward.”

“Trails is a relaxing and well-designed experience that will keep puzzle game fans happy for a few hours. While it may not always be smooth sailing, I think it is a cerebral excursion across the dunes worth taking.”

“PaperKlay may have a few rough edges, but like any lovingly made craft project, those imperfections are part of its charm. Its vibrant world of cardboard, clay, and creativity is brought to life with expressive animation, satisfying platforming, and a clear affection for the genre it celebrates. While its combat may be simplistic, enemy variety is limited, and its levels sometimes feel more like standalone stages than pieces of a larger world, these are small creases in what is otherwise a carefully crafted experience.”

“With its smart sci-fi aesthetic, charming sound design and music, excellent puzzle design, and intuitive controls, The Electrifying Incident is a short, satisfying puzzle game. It may not blow your mind, but it just might shock you!”

“What ultimately kept me engaged in Slime Heroes wasn’t the story, but the way its mechanics all worked together to create such a compelling gameplay loop. The combat/magic system, dungeons, and world design are seamlessly intertwined, constantly pushing you to experiment and improve. I was always excited to encounter a new enemy, knowing they would have a new ability for me to unlock and try out! Slime Heroes proves that Souls-likes don’t have to be grim to be great. With its charming aesthetic and deep mechanics, it offers a fresh take on the genre—one that’s as fun for longtime fans as it is for newcomers looking for a challenge wrapped in a friendlier package.”

“Overall, ReSetna is a solid metroidvania with smooth and satisfying traversal, challenging combat, and overclocked art direction. It’s just unfortunate that it is hampered by some lacking UI/UX, awkward pacing, a simple narrative clouded by obtuse world lore, and a couple frustrating boss fights/gameplay sequences. I think metroidvania fans that can overlook these flaws will have fun with ReSetna, and I see it a strong foundation for a sequel. While the game may not have the grace and efficiency of its protagonist, it still fulfills its directive.”

“Venture to the Vile is a confident, alluring, and above all enjoyable metroidvania game. While its flaws may creep in like the Vile, they never truly consume the brilliance of this macabre yet enchanting tale, making Venture to the Vile a journey well worth taking.”

“Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is a heartfelt narrative adventure that celebrates the power of friendship and community. Its vibrant art, relaxing gameplay, and nuanced writing combine to create an experience that feels both personal and universal. While the exploration could benefit from a touch more challenge, the game’s charm and thoughtful design make it an absolute joy to play. I just hope that when award season rolls around next year, people don’t forget Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island.”

“VED is a game split right down the middle in almost every way. Awkward, often confusing dialogue that interferes with the story’s clarity, as well as a lack of cohesion between the two game worlds makes up the weaker half. In contrast, VED has an inventive and challenging turn-based combat system, rich world design, and excellent art direction. Unfortunately, a game is the sum of it’s parts, no matter how they are sliced.”

“Overall, I had a great time playing through Kong: Survivor Instinct, with my first playthrough at just under 6 hours. While it may not be the most ground-breaking metroidvania with a few flaws, it is a fun, well designed experience that I think Monsterverse fans in particular will surely go ape over.”

“Drova – Forsaken Kin is a fully realised, living world where you shape who you are as well as the world around you, a story that you can write again and again based on your decisions. The few flaws and bugs the game has are far outweighed by the cohesive nature of the game’s world and it’s mechanics. If you are a fan of cRPGs and similar games you must pick up Drova – Forsaken Kin.”

“Selfloss is heart-wrenching and wonderful; a game that won’t spare its players the gory details, that tells a clear story in a world still veiled in mysticism. With its focus on rewarding exploration mixed with very satisfying puzzle-solving and light combat (pun intended), Selfloss is one of the best games I have played in 2024.”