Roger Reichardt

“The best part of Streetdog BMX is simply riding around and pulling off tricks for fun. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t really reward that kind of free riding. Instead, it relies on challenge areas, which require me to first locate them and then stay confined to completing objectives within those specific sections of the park. The foundation for a great trick-based biking game is here, but the way challenges are implemented holds back any sense of freedom and my overall enjoyment of the game.”

“Perfect Tides: Station to Station is a coming-of-age story filled with moments of real happiness, and just as many moments of self-doubt. There are times where Mara, the protagonist, is fully depressed, and the game doesn’t shy away from exploring that. It digs into relationships and intimacy, along with everything that comes with them: heartbreak, hurt feelings, and broken friendships. And choosing dialogue options during those moments truly put me right in the thick of it with Mara. I also love that Mara is a writer, and that part of the experience involves writing papers. It pushes me to explore, learn, and gain experience so I can write better, which is a clever mechanic that fits the story perfectly. The art is phenomenal too, adding even more weight to the emotional rollercoaster the game delivers. But at the end of the day, it’s the writing that makes Perfect Tides: Station to Station stand out. Mara is flawed, but she’s also incredibly relatable, and it’s hard not to get pulled in and root for her through the entire journey.”

“Fans of Bases Loaded will absolutely want to get their hands on Jaleco Sports: Bases Loaded. With two games included, it stays true to the original format of both releases, and the addition of the rewind feature is a nice touch. For baseball fans who never played Bases Loaded and are more accustomed to modern sports games, this collection may feel like it is missing some expected features, particularly stat tracking and season play. That said, if you are looking for a stroll down memory lane or want to experience a historic baseball game, Jaleco Sports: Bases Loaded is well worth your time.”

“Even with how difficult Flick Shot Rogues is, I had a really fun time with the game. After each run, I wanted to jump right back into the foray, hoping that the next attempt would be more fruitful or that I’d learn something from my previous run. The playing field can become crowded very quickly, which adds to the challenge, and the boss battles are pretty brutal. That said, pulling off a win feels great. I just wish the progression system was a bit more meaningful and rewarding. If you are looking for a challenging roguelike that does something different from the Hades formula, this one is worth checking out.”

“I really wanted to like Dark Quest 4, but it felt far too punishing for me to recommend to fans of tactical games or board games like HeroQuest. The progression feels grindy, and that grind sets in far too early to get much enjoyment out of the experience. Even the difficulty sliders, which should help ease that frustration, feel broken. Any adjustment I made was immediately offset by the game increasing how much damage enemies deal. Hopefully, if there is a Dark Quest 5, it can learn from these issues and come back as the game I really wanted this one to be.”

“Slots & Daggers is a really good time. The runs are quick, and after each one, I catch myself thinking, “If I just had that one item, I could have done better.” Progression feels a little uneven since new items only unlock after clearing a level, but the chips I earn let me buy mods that help balance things out. While there’s some flexibility in run builds, it doesn’t quite reach the depth of Balatro and its jokers. All that said, it's the perfect game to unwind after a long day at work.”

“I had a great time with Mamorukun ReCurse! It introduces ideas I haven’t seen in other arcade shooters, particularly the lack of auto-scrolling and the addition of branching pathways. The boss fights are all uniquely designed, though some are definitely more fun than others, especially when certain attacks feel impossible to dodge, leading to a few cheap deaths. Overall though, if you’re a fan of bullet hell arcade games, Mamorukun ReCurse! is an excellent addition to your collection.”

“Hell Clock is a fantastic roguelike, featuring beautiful art, engaging gameplay, a rewarding leveling system, and an intriguing story. If you’re looking for a roguelike that feels like a love letter to Diablo, this is one you shouldn’t miss.”

“As a puzzle game, Is This Seat Taken? isn’t terribly difficult, but that’s not the point. It’s a cozy puzzle game with a wholesome story, and that’s exactly what I needed. In a fast-paced, stressful world, it’s nice to have something more laid-back, which brought a smile to my face.”

“1000 Deaths is an interesting concept with elements speedrunners will appreciate and a solid foundation in some of its level design. Unfortunately, the camera, movement, and clashing aesthetics often caused motion sickness for me, taking away from the overall experience. While I appreciate the story-driven choices, I never connected with the characters—they felt flat and uninteresting. If you’re looking for a story-driven platformer, Donkey Kong Bananza delivers a much better experience. If arcade-style speedrunning is your thing, this might be worth checking out—but with options like Neon White available, it’s hard to recommend this one over more polished alternatives.”

“Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster with And Roger. This game made me feel everything the protagonist felt—fear, frustration, sadness, even moments of joy. It only takes about an hour to finish, but like any great piece of art, I found myself processing and reflecting on it well after I completed the game.”

“13AM Games and Mighty Yell took a bold swing at reinventing Missile Command — and they pulled it off. Both sides of the game — the turn-based strategy mechanics and the visual novel storytelling — are executed really well. Maybe too well, because at times they end up competing for my attention. Fans of visual novels with meaningful choices and a gripping mystery will be drawn in by the story, but may find the Missile Command scenarios a bit tedious. On the flip side, players excited about the strategic gameplay might be less enthusiastic about the slower narrative beats. But for those who appreciate both? Missile Command Delta offers a unique and compelling experience that’s worth seeing through to the end.”

“StarVaders is the epitome of a well-crafted deckbuilder—full of customization, packed with replay value, and infused with the spirit of a tactical board game. The art is fantastic, and the variety in classes and characters kept me up late, run after run, discovering new strategies and refining my playstyle. Every session felt fresh. If you’re a fan of board games, deckbuilders, or just smart, satisfying design, StarVaders absolutely deserves a spot in your collection.”

“What makes Into the Restless Ruins work is that I’m in total control of my destiny. Sure, I’m at the mercy of the draw when it comes to what cards I get to build my labyrinth—but ultimately, it’s up to me to decide how I lay out each run. The game loop just clicks. There are six dungeons to explore—each one more challenging than the last. If you’re a fan of Vampire Survivors or Blue Prince, this should absolutely be on your radar.”

“Wizordum brings back the classic charm of first-person shooters—something I didn’t realize I missed until I jumped into this game. It rewards exploration, with plenty of secrets to uncover and treasure to find, and the end-of-level score system gives it a satisfying arcade feel that encourages replaying levels. I did experience some motion sickness while playing on my PC and Steam Deck, which eased up when I switched to playing on a TV—so that might be something to keep in mind if you’re prone to motion sickness. That aside, Wizordum scratched a nostalgic itch I didn’t even know I had—and I’m glad I got to experience this game.”

“Skies Above is a beautifully crafted roguelike with a lot of heart and some well-thought-out mechanics. Each run feels meaningful, and with multiple progression systems, there’s always something new to unlock. That said, I never felt like the upgrades let me truly customize how I played—most of them just made me stronger, not different. Still, the game is a lot of fun, and it kept pulling me back in for just one more run.”

“Cabernet is unlike anything I’ve played before, especially within the visual novel genre. The addition of RPG elements is intriguing, but what truly sets it apart is its unique leveling system—gaining experience through decisions and reading books is something I haven’t seen done this way before. I love that I’m learning alongside Liza, which deepens the role-playing experience and makes every choice feel meaningful. The story is compelling and pulls me into its dark, immersive world—I just wish the voice acting matched that same level of quality. At times, the dialogue felt disjointed, especially when I had already learned certain information by speaking to characters out of order. However, these minor flaws don’t overshadow what Cabernet accomplishes. For those looking for a visual novel where choices truly matter, Cabernet is a must-play.”

“Worlds of Aria is best played with friends—this is where the game truly shines. At its core, the fun comes from selecting different decisions and debating them together. The writing embraces the silly and absurd, adding to the party game atmosphere. While much of a player’s success is left to chance with dice rolls, the game lacks a meaningful risk-and-reward system. Ultimately, Worlds of Aria feels like a series of laidback, tabletop one-shots. This game is a great fit for players who enjoy lighthearted, casual RPGs, but those looking for deep strategy may want to look elsewhere.”

“Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To fully embraces its chill vibe. From its inviting artwork and vibrant color palette to its relaxed yet engaging match-3 gameplay, every element reinforces the game’s cozy atmosphere. The music enhances this further, setting the perfect mood, while the narrative beautifully captures the essence of friendship and mutual care. By the time I finished my playthrough, I was left wanting more—I felt like I was just beginning to connect with the characters. Spirit Swap is a perfect example of thoughtful, well-executed game design. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good experience, this one’s a must-play.”

“Fans of puzzle games and ’80s horror movies will find plenty to love in Slayaway Camp 2. The addition of new character types not only enhances gameplay but also allows for more inventive puzzles. While the cartoony art style softens the tone, the game is still a bit gory—though less so than its predecessor—making it unsuitable for younger audiences. That said, Slayaway Camp 2 stands out as one of the best puzzle games on the market, offering a nostalgic and entertaining experience.”