Zachary Holmes

“The Knightling is a delightful surprise in 2025’s action-adventure lineup. It’s not perfect—bugs, difficulty spikes, and limited side content keep it from true greatness—but it more than makes up for those flaws with heart, creativity, and sheer charm. Sliding through Clesseia on a shield, uncovering whimsical details, and gradually growing from trainee to hero is an adventure worth taking. For fans of Zelda-inspired worlds, indie action games, or simply anyone craving a fresh spin on the classic knight’s tale, The Knightling delivers a fun, heartfelt, and memorable journey.”

“Katanaut is one of the most exciting indie roguelites of 2025. It blends the rewarding progression of Dead Cells, the atmospheric dread of Dead Space, and the precision combat of a Souls-like into a package that feels fresh and addictive. It isn’t perfect—combat can feel awkward at first, and some systems could use fine-tuning—but these flaws are minor compared to the sheer fun of diving into the station’s haunted corridors run after run. Whether you’re slashing through abominations with a katana, unlocking bizarre new upgrades, or just petting the cat before another doomed attempt, Katanaut delivers a memorable experience. For roguelite fans, sci-fi horror lovers, or anyone craving a game with style, substance, and plenty of replayability, Katanaut is absolutely worth the plunge.”

“Firefighting Simulator: Ignite: A fiery, fun, and authentic-enough simulator that shines brightest when played with friends. With updates and mod support, it has the potential to become the definitive firefighting game.”

“Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek isn’t a perfect game. It’s short, simple, and clearly aimed at a younger demographic rather than hardcore horror fans. But what it does well—capturing the spooky but fun tone of R.L. Stine’s novels—it does very well. For longtime fans, the Easter eggs and references make it a treat. For younger players, it’s a safe and accessible introduction to the horror genre. For everyone else, it’s a fun, atmospheric diversion that would feel more justified at half the price. If you grew up with Goosebumps and want to relive those nostalgic chills—or if you’re looking for a spooky adventure to share with younger gamers—this is worth a playthrough. Just don’t expect it to keep you up at night… unless you were already afraid of the basement.”

“Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids isn’t a massive, sprawling epic—it’s a mid-sized game with a clever hook. The fusion of action and RTS works, the humor lands more often than not, and the comic-book world is a joy to explore. But the short campaign and lack of multiplayer bots keep it from truly shining as a long-term staple. If you’re looking for something fresh, colorful, and co-op friendly, this is easy to recommend—especially if you have a buddy for couch co-op. If you’re buying solely for PvP, though, you may want to wait for updates or a larger player base.”

“Fate/hollow ataraxia REMASTERED is not just a companion piece to Fate/stay night—it’s a masterclass in balancing tone, character, and mystery. Its slice-of-life warmth enhances the franchise’s mythos, while its looping tragedy digs deeper into the themes of fate, justice, and the burden of memory. Yes, the new soundtrack may lack some of the raw strangeness of the original. Yes, the structure can feel repetitive at times. But taken as a whole, this remaster delivers one of TYPE-MOON’s most poignant, playful, and powerful works to a wider audience than ever before. If you’ve completed all three routes of Fate/stay night, this is essential. If not—finish them first. Then return to Fuyuki, step into the loop, and relive four days of destiny that will linger with you long after they end.”

“Wildgate isn’t just another shooter—it’s a bold experiment that succeeds more often than it fails. By merging tactical ship management with fast-paced FPS action, Moonshot Games has created a truly unique multiplayer experience that scratches the itch for both Sea of Thieves-style crew chaos and extraction shooter tension. Yes, the $30 price tag is steep, the balance needs tweaking, and the community size raises eyebrows. But when you’re in the middle of a storm, dodging enemy fire while a crewmate boards a rival ship to steal their Artifact, none of that matters. Few games deliver such adrenaline-pumping, cinematic matches. For those willing to invest the time—and ideally bring a squad along—Wildgate is one of the most exciting multiplayer experiments of 2025. It’s a flawed gem, but a gem nonetheless.”

“Abyssus is a confident, stylish roguelite shooter that nails the fundamentals—tight combat, meaningful progression, and a unique setting. While there’s room for more content and polish, the core experience is already highly addictive, whether you’re diving alone or with a squad of friends. If you enjoy FPS roguelites and want something with personality, atmosphere, and mechanical depth, this is a must-play. And with more content promised post-launch, Abyssus has all the makings of a long-term favorite in the co-op shooter space.”

“Luto is a rare kind of horror game. It doesn’t rely on cheap tricks. It doesn’t shower you with jump scares or gore. Instead, it quietly burrows into your psyche and stays there. For fans of psychological horror, narrative exploration, or games that explore grief and trauma with artistic depth, Luto is a must-play. It’s challenging, both intellectually and emotionally, but it’s also rewarding. This is indie horror with a soul.”

“Return to Ash is a quiet triumph. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t demand much of your time. But it leaves a mark. Like waking from a vivid dream, you’ll carry bits of it with you. Maybe it’s a line of dialogue. Maybe it’s the moment you chose kindness. Maybe it’s just that soft feeling of being seen. Serenity Forge has delivered something beautifully self-contained. For anyone in need of a reflective, emotionally resonant visual novel, Return to Ash is worth the journey.”

“Heartworm is more than just a tribute—it’s an evolution. Equal parts chilling and contemplative, it knows when to whisper and when to scream. From the stunning environments to the rich audio and the elegant blending of old and new mechanics, every piece feels hand-placed with purpose. Vincent Adinolfi and the small team behind Heartworm have crafted something special—a horror experience with soul. It’s one of 2025’s finest indie titles and a must-play for anyone who ever felt their skin crawl in a PS1 hallway.”

“Sunset High is a bold, smart, and emotionally resonant game that takes narrative risks and mostly pulls them off. It might not be for everyone—especially those allergic to reading or narrative-heavy gameplay—but for fans of mystery, visual novels, or character-driven experiences, it's a must-play. With memorable characters, a compelling premise, and the kind of story that sticks with you, Sunset High deserves a spot on your indie must-play list.”

“Hell Clock is for players who love a challenge, who don’t mind getting their builds broken and their egos bruised. It borrows the best parts of Diablo, PoE, Hades, and Binding of Isaac, yet still feels wholly original thanks to its bold cultural inspiration and smart mechanical design. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re someone who dreams in DPS numbers and lives for build theory, Hell Clock is absolutely worth it.”

“Kick’n Hell is a tight, focused, and furious platformer that trades hand-holding for harsh lessons and big payoffs. With its unique kick-based locomotion, brutal difficulty, and beautifully crafted pixel hellscapes, it stands out as one of the more memorable indie releases this year. It might frustrate you. It might break you. But when you finally kick your way to the top and stare down Satan, it’ll all be worth it.”

“Whether you’re a solo runner stacking item combos or a four-person squad trying not to die in the same room, this sequel proves Veewo still knows how to blend absurdity and action into a satisfying loop.”

“ISLANDERS: New Shores is a meditative puzzle disguised as a builder. It’s a game about placement, rhythm, and calm thinking. It’s relaxing, rewarding, and quietly brilliant. Whether you’re chasing a leaderboard run or crafting a sleepy island village in Sandbox mode, it offers just enough strategy to keep you engaged and just enough beauty to make you care. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t overwhelm. It invites you to stay a while — and maybe build something a little better each time.”

“EYES ON THE EXAM is a thrilling mix of panic-inducing exams and eerie mysteries. Stay focused, or face the consequences. A unique indie gem that'll keep you on edge.”

“Empyreal offers a deep dive into a mysterious world with challenging gameplay and rich features. Dive in for a rewarding action RPG experience!”

“Super Engine GT Turbo SPEC is fun, accessible, and charming in its presentation, but ultimately limited in scope. It looks the part, plays smoothly, and feels nostalgic, but it runs out of gas too quickly for serious racing fans.”

“An electrifying mix of rhythm, platforming, and rebellion. ANTRO's unique blend of music and action keeps the adrenaline pumping. Join the revolution!”