Becca Smith

“Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To is one of the loveliest games you’ll play this year, I guarantee. It has a fantastic soundtrack, beautiful, inclusive characters, thoughtful dialogue and fun gameplay. It ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to say that you’ll likely find yourself going back to it long after the credits roll on its story mode.”

“Reviver has a lovely story and unique mechanics that make it well worth a one-time play through. If you’re a fan of puzzle games, there are plenty of puzzles to solve here, but if you’re looking for something simple and calming, it might not be quite as relaxing as you think. There are also some minor issues with the game’s language - some English translations are a little off - but that is a very small detail that can be ironed out with a patch or two.”

“Caravan SandWitch is a short exploration game, but one that does a lot in its five to six hour playtime. It quickly introduces the characters and the world so that you’re able to focus on the task at hand and you’re not stuck trying to interpret what’s going on. With brilliant, inclusive characters, a truly intriguing story and fun gameplay, it’s well worth diving into this adventure, especially because you can finish it in only just a couple of sittings.”

“Mouthwashing is everything that you want from a horror game, especially for those of us who get such a nostalgic kick from the game design. The story is impossible to walk away from and equally impossible to forget about. It is scary and unsettling without having to rely on cheap jump scares or overly gorey elements. It’s a must-play and then a must-replay, period.”

“Crypt Custodian is one of the very first metroidvania games I absolutely could not put down. I normally struggle to stay interested in games like it, but nearly everything about Kyle Thompson’s newest title is inviting, fun, and brilliantly addictive. Add to it a massive map to explore and characters to fall in love with and you’d be missing out on not giving it a try as soon as you can.”

“Été, while slow moving at the start, is a wonderfully relaxing, cozy game perfect for someone looking to take their time with a new game. As you begin to unlock more and more stamps and colors, creating paintings is a joy as is exploring Montréal and meeting its residents. Decorating your home however you like is fun and satisfying as you use your hard earned money to purchase new things. If the Impossible team has more projects in mind for the future, I’ll be the first in line to play them.”

“It’s difficult for roguelike deck builders to stand out in a genre with powerhouses like Slay the Spire and Dicey Dungeons. Dice & Fold is a really entertaining addition and one that I find myself continuously wanting to go back to. The Developers clearly listen to their players and are updating and fixing the game constantly and if things continue the way they’re going, with a few balance fixes, this title could stand proudly at the top of the genre.”

“Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a cute, simplistic game that allows players to relax, unwind and hang out with some lovely frogs. While gameplay does get repetitive after a while, for those that are looking for something chill, it’s a good time for a few hours. You might not find yourself trying to collect every frog or bothering with some of the more confusing elements of the game, but overall it’s a lovely little title with loads of adorable hoppy lads.”

“Sucker for Love: Date to Die For isn’t exactly what the average player will expect when picking it up. It’s genuinely creepy at times which is great for horror fans, but doesn’t actually feature that much dating (or any dating to be honest) for something that claims to be a dating sim. Still, it’s fun, absolutely reminiscent of 90’s anime, and definitely has replay value for those who like collecting all the endings in visual novels. Now go kiss that goat mommy!”

“Please Touch The Artwork 2 is a short experience, but one that leaves a lasting impression. It’ll likely only take you an hour or so to complete the game, unless you’re determined to not utilise the hint system. Either way, it’s bite-sized creative fun — and best of all, it’s completely free. You simply can’t beat it.”

“Lil’ Guardsman is so much fun to play. Players will be laughing out loud from the very beginning and will enjoy the fun references and silly jokes throughout. And those that like to play games multiple times will be able to see all of the different options and outcomes.”

“Asya’s story is inspired by the diaries of real children affected by the war and that is why we, as people whose parents, grandparents and great grandparents have lived through it too, should continue to tell stories like this. No matter how painful they may be and no matter how long ago it was. And putting those stories into a format like Torn Away, one that forces the player to experience each and every excruciating or playful moment, is truly amazing. It gives us a close up look and reminds us of just how lucky we are to be here today. Play it - you won’t regret it.”

“Rain on Your Parade is a simple, funny little game. Its levels aren’t challenging, but many of them are clever and humorous. It’s especially worth picking up if you have kids that just like to wreak havoc in virtual worlds. But regardless of your age, there’s plenty of joy to be had in hitting people with thunder and turning them into big snowballs. What’s not to like about that?”

“Though it’s not a bad game, Forgotten Fields is hampered by more than a handful of technical issues. Prepare to glitch through furniture and objects as you try and make your way around this otherwise beautiful world. It’s a shame, because there are more than a few truly lovely moments, and you’ll likely find yourself relating to the game’s cast of characters. Perhaps wait until its bugs have been addressed, because there’s a good story to be experienced here.”

“If What Comes After can help those dealing with mental health struggles, then that’s a wonderful thing. But it doesn’t cover these topics delicately; its messages aren’t hidden anywhere, they’re in-your-face, front and centre. However, it’s all the other issues What Comes After tries to deal with – deforestation, animal abuse and more – that ruin the experience. As important as all of those issues are, What Comes After doesn’t give enough time for them to have any real purpose or meaning. Had it been more focused, it could have had much more impact.”

“Genesis Noir may not be for everyone. You’ll need patience for it – and if you like games that hold your hand, it’s likely not for you. But stick with it, and you’ll find an extraordinary and rare title unlike anything else you’ve played. It’s beautiful, clever, and very tricky in places – but you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve turned it off.”

“Those frustrations, though, are part of the experience of Blind Drive; if making your way down a road without being able to see isn’t nerve-wracking in any way, then there’s likely something wrong. While Blind Drive‘s premise is incredibly simple, it’s immediately addicting and the excellent narrative will keep you glued to the screen from beginning to end. You might be going into this adventure blind, but you won’t be disappointed.”

“Kill It With Fire is a great title, whether you love those eight-legged arachnids or you’re terrified of them. Being able to burn them alive, hit them with frying pans or shoot them with a shotgun is both satisfying and fun. It’s also very easy to pick up and play, so it’s something that everyone can enjoy. Go on – finally get revenge on those spiders that have terrorised your home for so long.”

“Considering it’s been made by one person, Estranged: The Departure is a rather impressive feat. Its world is well-realised and it has atmosphere in droves. It’s a little slow in the beginning, but as you explore you’ll find yourself getting immersed in the story, desperate to find out what’s going on. The real downside is the frustrating combat, which often feels completely superfluous to the experience. Even so, Estranged: The Departure‘s beautiful visuals and intriguing story make it well worth a playthrough for those that crave a new adventure.”

“Despite its lack of real consequences, Astrologaster is a lot of fun to play; the excellent writing and top-notch voice acting really bring this ridiculous concept to life. Yes, it’s a shame the player’s actions don’t make more of a difference, but Astrologaster is still worth going along with – especially if you want a unique look at 16th century London.”