David Silbert

“Constance is a game that’s tragically at odds with itself. Its story feels like a warm blanket, but its boss battles are a trial by fire. Its world is vibrant, but its map is cumbersome. Perhaps that’s the point — that finding solace takes pain, perseverance, and self-determination. I can respect the vision, but I’m just not sure the final product did that vision justice. I admire the effort put into Constance and commend bildundtonfabrik for treating the mental health crisis with the care and compassion it deserves. If ever the team created a sequel, this canvas could really take flight. As is, Constance is a good oeuvre that could’ve been great.”

“Part Slay the Spire, part Paper Mario, Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson takes two genres and finds unique harmony between them. Sprinkle in a third inspiration — the music-rhythm gameplay of Guitar Hero — and you have all the makings of a really rad band. The final result has its issues: notably, a slew of bugs, some balancing issues, and an underwhelming ending. Still, Fretless - The Wrath of Riffson is a worthwhile play, and an admirable addition to the genres that inspired it.”

“For those seeking a unique entry point into TTRPGs, The Horror at Highrook is a satisfying starting course. It has issues that derail the fun, ranging from poor inventory management and lackluster leveling mechanics to the lack of any real hint system. It’s also a fairly linear affair, with little replayability (something at odds with its tabletop roots). Still, if you can embrace the flaws, there’s a fun little adventure waiting for you.”

“Your House is a competent mystery game that suffers from its own ambition. Its central reading mechanic adds flavor to the experience, and it offers a decent variety of puzzles to keep players engaged. However, the narrative lacks bite, and the difficulty will be a turn-off for some. If you don’t mind a “just okay” story and are open to some wonky solutions, Your House offers some unique puzzle thrills. But just don’t expect a revelatory experience.”

“Dead Letter Dept. definitely shows some cracks. Visuals can get muddy, some of the lighting choices don't work, and, in more intense moments, it can be very easy to get lost. But in looking past the small hiccups, you can find a simple but evocative game with a lot of variety. While we weren’t always certain what choices determined what endings, we ended our time excited to dive back in. This is a labor of love from someone willing to escape the doldrums of corporate number-punching.”

“What else I can say about Smushi Come Home without spoiling its finer moments? Its characters are charming, its gameplay is soothing, and it has a great sense of style. (Just listen to that feel-good soundtrack from composer Failpositive.) And while the experience is a bit on the short side, it’s one that hardly feels undercooked. If you’re looking for a breather between AAA epics or simply searching for a wonderful indie, Smushi Come Home has enough charm to make you blush. Come for the adorable mushroom; stay for the tender narrative and cozy vibes. This is one homecoming you don’t want to miss.”

“Tangle Tower is still worth exploring despite its issues, especially for those with access to Apple Arcade. At it's piecemeal $20 price tag, though, the game's flaws are less forgivable.”

“Despite my issues with Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns, the game is still one heck of a great experience, twelve years later. Battles are as exciting as ever, while the new wealth of classes and quests ensures that even series veterans will be able to get lost in this world all over again.”

“Despite its poorly told story, repetitive material grind, and wonky scoring system, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack is a solid investment for fans of the 2D platformer genre. Gunvolt may not be Mega Man, but the series offers up much of the same charm and challenge that made Capcom's iconic franchise such a big hit. The pair of games doesn't quite hit the same highs as many of the Blue Bomber's greatest adventures, but Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack earns serious points for trying something new. Despite the wealth of platformers that have come to the Switch in recent weeks, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack makes a compelling case for being an addition to your growing library.”

“Despite some minor performance issues and the occasional on-the-nose writing, Layers of Fear: Legacy is a fantastic horror experience for Switch owners. You get two great stories, both accessible right from the menu screen — I highly recommend you play the main story before Inheritance, though — that offer gripping tales and shocking scares. Better yet, both are playable in portable mode, ensuring that the courageous and unafraid can get their fill of terror before bed. It may not be P.T. in name, but for those seeking that same level of atmosphere and hallway-twisting tension, Legacy fits the bill.”

“The Alliance Alive is a good game that's held back by some unfortunate missteps. Its fantastic premise and strong narrative provide a storyline that feels surprisingly fresh compared to other JRPGs, while its combat provides some welcome depth to its turn-based gameplay. The title often feels too easy, even by JRPG standards, and several features could have been better fleshed out, but the overall product is a stark improvement over studio Cattle Call's previous effort. With the 3DS on its way out to pasture, those with a hankering for an old-school JRPG with some new ideas should find something to like with The Alliance Alive.”

“Chess Ultra is a great chess game and a welcome addition to the Switch's digital library of titles. Its in-depth tutorial offers a useful starting point for those new to the sport, while challenges, AI difficulties, and customizable matches ensure that established players have the tools needed to improve their game in a variety of formats. While the lack of a real-time filter for matchmaking is a bummer, Chess Ultra more than justifies its budget price tag of $12.50. Whether you are a grandmaster or a complete novice, Chess Ultra is a worthy entry into the world of virtual chess.”

“Had it run better, Rime would've been an easy recommendation. Its story offers a tantalizing look into a beautifully realized and poetically orchestrated world of magic, love and loss. Its gameplay, while simple, offers satisfying puzzles that guide the action in meaningful ways. However, severe frame rate drops and unbearable resolution compromises hold back the final product from the greatness it deserves.”

“Neurovoider is an exciting addition to the Switch library of eShop titles. Just under $14 will buy a game with surprising levels of depth and player choice. Even those apprehensive at the thought of playing a roguelike, either due to its difficulty or its unpredictability, should find plenty to like with Neurovoider. At the very least, it provides several hours of entertaining play, either solo or with friends. At best, it might prove to be your next gaming addiction.”

“One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition provides an entertaining but flawed take on the One Piece franchise. Its story and gameplay show signs of promise, but repetitive and recycled missions, levels, and enemies drag down the game, especially during its later hours.”

“While it might not display the same creativity of top-of-the-line JRPGs like Final Fantasy or Persona, Shadows of Adam executes its ideas well, and more importantly, is simply fun to play.”