Shannon P. Drake

“Master of Command is a deeply replayable, razor-smart strategy roguelike whose historical flair and tactical depth outweigh minor AI quirks.”

“If you’re into weird art projects and vibing to some cool fake cable programming and recapturing that vibe of trying to find something to watch on a weekday afternoon, there’s nothing like Blippo+. But if you’re weirded out by, like, the entire preceding description, you’re probably not going to have a good time. I suggest: drugs.”

“Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 1 Re-Raptored features a fun story and match-3 gameplay, but that’s all there is to it.”

“Atmospheric but not scary or interesting.”

“I can think of no reason to play this game.”

“Drop Duchy has a clever and engaging tile-based strategy concept blending Tetris and deckbuilding, with strong combo potential and rewarding planning. However, its steep learning curve, lack of in-game clarity, reliance on RNG, and grind-heavy progression hold it back from reaching greater heights. It’s a niche but appealing experience for players who love complex systems and board game-style strategy.”

“StarVaders is a creative and polished fusion of roguelike, deckbuilder, and arcade-style mechanics. While it’s built on a familiar formula, the vibrant design, strategic depth, and sheer fun of chaotic, combo-driven gameplay make it an easy standout in the genre.”

“You clearly appreciate Moroi’s unapologetic weirdness and commitment to its aesthetic. The world-building, puzzles, and writing are engaging if you're on the game's wavelength. But the frustrating combat mechanics, occasional bugs, and unclear progression logic (especially with doors and puzzle gating) create a high barrier to enjoyment. It’s a fascinating mess, but it is best suited for players with patience and a taste for the bizarre.”

“Grit and Valor 1949 offers surprising depth, replayability, and content across multiple campaigns with clever systems like crafting and research. While it leans casual and gets a bit repetitive, the combination of giant mechs, Nazi-smashing action, and strategy-lite mechanics makes for a solid and satisfying experience, especially on portable platforms like Steam Deck.”

“Merchants of Rosewall is an ambitious but unfocused game that spreads itself too thin. While the idea of blending a cozy shop sim with a deep mystery is appealing, neither aspect is fleshed out enough to stand on its own. The result is a game that feels more tedious than rewarding, making it hard to recommend outside of players willing to tolerate its rough edges.”

“Rogue Waters delivers an enjoyable mix of tactical ship combat and crew management with fun roguelike elements. However, its repetitive gameplay, predictable story beats, and flat progression system prevent it from being truly great. It’s a solid game for casual roguelike fans and pirate enthusiasts but lacks the depth and variety to keep players fully engaged long-term.”

“Cryptmaster is just about vibes, specifically, the vibe of cruising around a dungeon typing words while a sardonic, Vincent Price-style narrator complains about what an idiot you are (you are) and you try to fight monsters while instantly forgetting every word you ever knew, all in glorious black and white.”

“A decent-to-good WW2 RTS with a puzzling always online requirement”

“If you read all that…first of all, thank you, but if you went “I understood none of that, that is the most boring thing I’ve ever read,” then this probably isn’t your kind of game. If you said, “That sounds like the most amazing thing I have ever heard,” then you can do all that and more in Warno.”

“So if that kind of management and absurdity sounds appealing–and I did enjoy frowning at my goblin roster and trying to min-max stats in my goblin eugenics program–then hiding beneath the cutesy storybook exterior is the fiendish heart of a pretty good roguelike.”

“Come on ride the depressing train (WOO WOO!)”

“Sitting around making weed smoke. Not the fun kind.”

“I think they’ve done it. This is the classic Dwarf Fortress experience but with nice graphics, some quality of life improvements, and more robust mouse support. Strike the earth! Don’t slip on the puke!”

“If you like roguelike deckbuilders, 80s action movies, and synthwave, Nitro Kid is a banger.”

“I feel like you know if you want to give a World War 1 shooter a try. This is a niche thing and you know if you’re in it. Also hi, haven’t seen you at the niche meetings.”