James Luff

“Steel Century Groove isn’t flawless, but it’s genuinely fun. The rhythm battles are engaging, the soundtrack is excellent, and the idea of settling rivalries through mech dance-offs never gets old. The story and characters won’t click with everyone, and the structure can feel repetitive at times, but the core gameplay does more than enough to hold your attention. It feels like the start of something special, and I’d love to see how this concept could evolve in the future. At the very least, the free demo is worth checking out. It might just make you want to get your groove on.”

“My Tiny Landscape is a thoughtful, strategy game that respects your time and attention. It offers meaningful decisions without overwhelming you, and it balances calm vibes with just enough challenge to keep things interesting. While I would have liked to see more progression or variety over the long term, what’s here is well put together and satisfying to play. It’s the kind of game you come back to when you want to slow down, think a little, and watch something nice take shape.”

“Snowman Mo is a feel-good adventure that deserves more attention than it’s received so far. It balances light gameplay with meaningful themes, all wrapped in a friendly, approachable package. It won’t appeal to players looking for high difficulty or constant action, but for anyone wanting a calm, story-focused experience, it’s an easy recommendation. It’s especially well-suited for playing with younger players watching along, or for those evenings when you want something comforting without being dull. Snowman Mo made me smile more than once, and it left a lasting impression thanks to its heart and sincerity.”

“Avalon Jewels is a reminder of why match-3 games became popular in the first place. It offers a complete experience with plenty of content, varied objectives, and satisfying mechanics, all without asking for extra payments along the way. It’s familiar, comfortable, and easy to enjoy, especially if you’ve drifted away from the genre due to how aggressive it has become elsewhere. It won’t surprise seasoned puzzle fans with bold new ideas. What it delivers is a well-made, feature-complete match-3 game that focuses on fun. If you’ve missed this style of puzzle game, Avalon Jewels is well worth your time.”

“Warhead Circus is a game that grows on you. It doesn’t hold your hand, and it doesn’t immediately explain why it’s fun. But if you give it time, learn its rhythms, and accept that failure is part of the process, it becomes a compelling pick-up-and-play experience. It’s undeniably minimalistic, and there’s room for more variety, additional modes, or alternate bosses. Still, what’s here is fun. I started this game unsure and slightly frustrated, and I ended it wanting just one more run. If you’re looking for something different within the roguelite space, something that tests your reflexes and rewards persistence, Warhead Circus is well worth your time.”

“Philna Fantasy is a game that takes its time to show you what it’s capable of. The early hours can feel a little uneven, especially thanks to some sharp difficulty spikes and unclear system introductions, but patience pays off. Once the mechanics settle and the game opens up, there’s a lot of enjoyment to be found in its combat, exploration, and progression systems. It’s not an instant hook, but it’s a grower. Stick with it, and Philna Fantasy reveals a surprisingly rich and rewarding adventure beneath its pixelated surface.”

“Big Hops is one of those games that simply makes you smile. It’s incredibly well put together, with movement that feels as good as anything else in the genre right now. The balance between story, exploration, and gameplay is spot on, and the sheer pleasure of moving through its worlds rarely wears thin. Plus, I was smiling the entire time I played it. It’s early in the year, but Big Hops has already put itself firmly on my radar as a game-of-the-year contender. It’s a reminder of how magical a great platformer can be when it gets the fundamentals right. Don’t let this one hop past your Steam library.”

“DuneCrawl is a unique, creative start to 2026. It’s not flawless, and some players may find the controls and difficulty inconsistencies a bit fiddly. But what it offers is a sandbox adventure that feels fresh, inventive, and willing to take risks. Driving a giant crab across a hostile desert while upgrading your gear and reclaiming territory is as enjoyable as it sounds. For players looking for something different, especially with friends, DuneCrawl is well worth your time. It’s a game I can easily see myself returning to, just to wander the sands and see what trouble my crab can get into next.”

“Sniffin For Bones won’t impress with innovation, and that’s ok. What it offers instead is a calm, accessible platform adventure that’s easy to pick up and easy to enjoy. It’s not a game that will surprise seasoned players, but it does provide a pleasant slice of casual fun. This feels especially well-suited to younger players, people new to gaming, or anyone looking for something gentle and low-stimulus. At its low price, it delivers exactly what it promises: a short, friendly experience about exploring levels and collecting bones as a dog. It won’t be for everyone, but for the audience it’s aiming at, Sniffin For Bones does its job well. It gives the dog a bone if you will”

“Kinsfolk is a short, thoughtful experience. It doesn’t stretch itself too thin or attempt to add features it doesn’t need. Instead, it focuses on telling a small, meaningful story about family, memory, and the way our past shapes our future. It won’t resonate with everyone in the same way, and that’s okay. But if you’re looking for a calm, emotionally driven game you can complete in a single evening, Kinsfolk is well worth your time. And if you are a Dad, it might really punch you in the feels, especially at its conclusion.”

“Sol Cesto isn’t a game that holds your hand, and it’s not one that immediately shows its best side. The opening hours can feel unforgiving, and I wouldn’t blame anyone for bouncing off it early. But for players willing to stick with it, there’s something very special here. Impressive, still: the game is still only in Early Access. It offers a fresh take on the roguelite formula by stripping controls down to their simplest form and focusing entirely on choice, probability, and consequence. You don’t need fast reactions or complex strategies. You just need the courage to make a decision and accept what follows. This is exactly the kind of experimentation I love seeing from indie developers. Sol Cesto may not be welcoming at first (or ever, depending on how you view it), but once it gets under your skin, it’s very hard to forget.”

“Öoo is a reminder that innovation doesn’t always come from adding more systems or mechanics. Sometimes, it comes from committing fully to one strong idea and exploring it from every possible angle. Players who dislike puzzle-solving or experimentation may find it less appealing, but for those who enjoy discovering solutions organically, this is a special experience. It’s accessible, thoughtful, and full of creative surprises, all wrapped in a neat package. This is exactly the kind of game that highlights why indie development remains such a vital space for new ideas. Öoo takes simplicity and turns it into strength.”

“StarVaders is another great example of indie developers finding new ways to combine familiar genres. By blending grid-based tactics with deckbuilding and wrapping it in a roguelike structure, it creates an experience that’s easy to pick up but full of depth for those who stick with it. If you enjoy thoughtful strategy, experimenting with builds, and games that respect both your time and your curiosity, StarVaders is well worth checking out. It may not be driven by heavy narrative, but its systems will have you coming back to the stars and back. StarVaders is quite simply out of this world great.”

“Goodnight Universe is something special. It’s a narrative adventure that trusts its audience, respects their time, and isn’t afraid to be sincere. The optional webcam integration is one of the most thoughtful uses of technology I’ve seen in a game, and it adds real emotional weight rather than novelty. This won’t be for players looking for challenge, action, or traditional progression systems. But if you value storytelling, emotional depth, and inventive design, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss. It surprised me, moved me, and reminded me why indie games continue to push the medium forward in ways bigger productions often won’t.”

“Die in the Dungeon stands out in a crowded roguelike space by doing something genuinely different with its core mechanics. Using dice instead of cards isn’t just a novelty; it’s a thoughtful design choice that reshapes how you think about combat, builds, and strategy. Even in early access, it offers a polished and engaging experience that rewards curiosity and experimentation. If you enjoy deck-builders but want something that feels fresh, or if you’re looking for a roguelike that values planning over speed, this is well worth your time. Failure is there, but it always encourages you to roll again. And I was more than happy to have another roll with this gem.”

“genuinely pains me to say this, but The Bee Hive doesn’t feel ready for release. Beneath the bugs and awkward design choices, there’s the outline of a family-friendly 3D platformer that could have worked with more time and refinement. As it stands, though, it’s difficult to recommend to anyone, including kids, as frustration sets in very quickly. With extensive updates, this might one day become something worthwhile. Right now, however, The Bee Hive feels unfinished, unrewarding and just unplayable”

“Traveler’s Refrain offers a focused, emotionally grounded experience built around music, reflection, and discovery. Combat can feel slightly stiff at times, and navigation isn’t always as clear as it could be, but these issues don’t overshadow what the game does well. If you’re looking for something thoughtful to round off the year, a game that values mood and meaning as much as mechanics, Traveler’s Refrain is well worth downloading. It’s a gentle reminder that games don’t always need to be loud to leave an impression. And it may just inspire those who gave up on a dream to try again.”

“It’s genuinely nice to see Tomba! 2 get another chance on modern platforms. For players who missed it the first time around, there’s a lot of retro joy to be found here, from its quirky world design to its mission-heavy structure. That said, this re-release does feel like it delivers the minimum required to bring the game forward. If you’ve already played the original or picked it up on earlier digital platforms (PSN), there’s little reason to return. But if Tomba! 2 passed you by back in the PS1 era and you have a soft spot for retro platformers, this is still a worthwhile adventure, just one that deserved a bit more care the second time around.”

“Trouble Witches Final: Episode 1 – Daughters of Amalgam (stops to breathe) delivers exactly what its name hints at, a big, spirited, magical burst of arcade action with witches, spells, noise, and enough modes to keep you dipping back in regularly. It’s fun in short bursts, easy to revisit, and colourful enough to brighten even the gloomiest afternoon. For anyone looking for a lively arcade shooter this December or any time of year, this feels like a great fit.”

“Keep the Heroes Out brings board-game energy to the screen with personality and a generous helping of creativity. If you love tabletop nights but don’t always have the space or people on hand, this digital version is a great alternative, and even better when you can round up friends. With colourful animations and levels that keep you guessing, it scratches that “game night” itch in a fun and energetic way. It won’t be for everyone, especially if you aren’t fond of strategy or managing decks, but if the idea of protecting your hoard with a team of monsters makes you grin, this is absolutely worth a look.”