Evilgamerz

“This is a game you can easily sink a few hours into. I haven't reached the end yet, as it's quite challenging, and you certainly won't encounter the first boss in the first hour. Seasoned platformers might blast through it a bit faster, but even then, you'll need to learn the patterns and stay constantly alert. All in all, The Prisoning: Fletcher's Quest is a surprisingly strong and solid metroidvania. With its witty humor, strong enemy design, tight gameplay, and quirky presentation, this game is a definite recommendation for both fans and non-fans of the genre.”

“Desvelado feels like a surprise. The game does cost ten euros, which is certainly not a lot considering the three to four hours it will take you to complete. I doubt you'll finish it again, given the linear puzzles you'll eventually encounter. Completing the bonus levels doesn't offer the satisfaction you might crave, so completing it will be sufficient. Quality-wise, the game has virtually no loading times, runs smoothly, and there are no DualSense features or anything like that to be expected. Ultimately, the game looks atmospheric, the gameplay is excellent, and the light puzzle elements are innovative and addictive. I highly recommend Desvelado to any fan of simple puzzle-platformers.”

“The Forsaken Hollows is a solid, well-maintained expansion that does exactly what you expect. Nothing more, nothing less. Some players may feel the amount of content is a bit lacking, and it's certainly not a reason to buy Nightreign if the original didn't impress you. This is more of the same, but well-executed. Would this content have worked better as a free update? Probably. Still, FromSoftware once again delivers quality, and there are few real technical or content flaws. For loyal players, The Forsaken Hollows is a welcome reason to return. For everyone else, Nightreign remains an experiment that still can't quite match the success of Elden Ring.”

“Slots & Daggers is an unexpected surprise. It's a fantastic roguelite that combines chance, tactics, and addiction into a wonderfully fluid whole. The balance between luck and strategy is cleverly struck. Every run feels worthwhile, and every reward earned. The presentation is delightfully spectacular. There are a few minor flaws; the enemies could have used a bit more animation, but that's a minor detail. Ultimately, Slots & Daggers is a perfect snack game: light, fast-paced, yet with enough depth to keep you coming back for another gamble.”

“Chicken Run: Eggstraction feels and plays like a solid top-down adventure game. The story isn't particularly special, but the cinematics are quite cool. Gameplay-wise, it's easy to play, but the interesting level design makes the puzzles here and there quite enjoyable. The game plays best in co-op, as it allows for better teamwork. The AI ​​isn't as engaging and interactive in single-player, as you feel like you're on your own too much. With about five hours of gameplay, and a bit of extra co-op content, the game isn't exceptionally long, but ultimately, I had a great time. Unfortunately, it's not much more than that.”

“Once Upon a Jester certainly isn't a groundbreaking game or an action-packed title whose gameplay will blow you away with originality, but it does offer a unique concept that truly shines. Think of it a bit like a musical; some will love it, while others won't be able to fathom the fun aspects. Here and there, you'll see some slightly amateurish aspects emerge, and the quality is lacking, especially in the audio department. The distinctly Dutch elements that have been deliberately incorporated are especially appealing to us Dutch, and I really appreciate them. Graphically, the game looks very stylish and sharp, though it does have its rough edges here and there. If you're looking for a game to relax in and experience something different, then this PlayStation 5 port is highly recommended.”

“Candy Rangers is a textbook example of how a classic genre can be revived. The combination of a clever color system, creative enemies, and small bits of freedom makes it a fun experience. At the same time, the feeling that there could have been more lingers. The quick introduction of all the mechanics and the lack of real progression mean the game is already over after twenty levels. But perhaps that's the best compliment you can give a short-lived game like this: I want to see more. More levels, more enemies, more crazy twists. And if a game leaves you with that feeling, it's done its job well.”

“Forgive Me Father 2 doesn't require much explanation. It's simply a straightforward shooter that feels a bit like Quake, with fast and brutal gameplay. The illustrative graphics make the game a bit more unique than any other shooter, and the very light RPG elements, including the book that grants you extra abilities, add a touch of variety. The hidden rooms and the keys you can find offer little extra challenge. The game remains fairly linear. Yet, it plays smoothly. If you enjoy a single-player shooter without too many frills, then this is the perfect game for you.”

“Grief Like a Stray Dog is a remarkable title that demonstrates the breadth of the gaming medium. It combines elements of theater, music, and visual art in an interactive format not often seen. At the same time, the game falls short in terms of playtime, gameplay, and depth. The story is weighty, but handled superficially. For those who enjoy short, artistic experiences, this might be an interesting title, but those looking for an engaging graphic novel or a game that emphasizes choices and consequences probably won't find what they're looking for here. Ultimately, Grief Like a Stray Dog is primarily a beautiful art project, but not a game that will stay with you for long.”

“Roadwarden is a fantastic game on PC. A remarkably well-written adventure that sits somewhere between a thick book and an RPG. It's ambitious, atmospheric, and offers countless choices with real consequences. But the Switch 2 version is a disaster. Slow text, buttons that don't work, and an interface that's anything but clear. A simple arrow in the menu would have made a world of difference, but even that's missing. It's a shame, because it completely erodes all the praise the PC version deserved. Where Roadwarden should have drawn you into a dark, thrilling world, only frustration remains here. We'll definitely have to wait for a patch before we can recommend this game.”

“While you might initially struggle to find the interactions, you'll quickly memorize them and string them together as quickly as possible. You'll die, and that's the point. Sometimes you just have to try falling into the water and see what happens. That's precisely the point of the game. If you were to perform and know all the interactions immediately, the game would take less than fifteen minutes, but with a bit of detective work and fiddling, it could easily take two or three hours. Plus, there are puzzle pieces you have to find to complete a puzzle, which adds a bit more challenge. Time Flies is a game unlike any other, and for that reason alone, it deserves a try for any player who enjoys a relaxing yet creatively designed game. The time limit might initially feel like a pressure point, but it works perfectly in this game mechanic, preventing the constant restart of the level from becoming annoying. Time flew by while playing this game! And that alone seems like a good sign to me.”

“Giant Machines 2017 for the PS5 is a unique title. Graphically and technically, the game is clearly outdated, and the transition to the new generation yields few improvements. The concept—piloting immense machines in lumbering, precise missions—has a unique charm for a very specific target audience, but it doesn't quite live up to its promise. If you're looking for a simulation title, there are plenty of other great titles out there that offer more.”

“The King is Watching is a surprisingly clever and challenging roguelike with a unique twist. The line-of-sight mechanic is a clever invention that keeps the gameplay constantly exciting. Add to that the building and defense components, along with dozens of unlockables, spells, kings, and advisors, and you have a game that remains captivating. The learning curve is steep, the runs are (sometimes too) long, and there's room for some minor improvements, particularly in terms of save options and visual optimizations. But what matters is that every run feels like a new puzzle. For fans of roguelikes, kingdom builders, and strategic puzzle games, The King is Watching is an absolute must-have.”

“Split is short. After about 45 minutes, you can reach the first ending. If you want to see both endings, you'll have to replay the game, which, thanks to the terminal interface, is worth it. However, don't expect deep replayability or hidden sidetracks. This is a small experience, meant to be experienced once or twice. Split isn't a game that impresses with its technique or length, but it does boast strong game design. It's an atmospheric, cleverly designed experience that does something quite different from most games. For fans of horror, Half-Life, The Matrix, or similar worlds, this is highly recommended. It's a small slice of digital horror that really gets under your skin.”

“And yet, despite all these annoyances, you keep going. The world in Vessels of Decay simply looks fantastic. You want to see what's around the next corner. The gameplay flows quite smoothly, and you can get past the numerous bosses relatively easily. Vessels of Decay is one of those games that wins you over with one screenshot and one piece of music, but then partially disappoints you the moment you pick up the controller. The numerous bugs really hold this game back. The atmosphere is cool and the gameplay is extensive, but the world feels a bit too empty, even for a game set in a post-apocalyptic world.”

“The roguelite part is also applied in a wrong way because it would have been better to apply skill-based improvements, with which you can take that little bit of extra permanent skill with you every run. However, they have chosen to make all cards and improvements that you can earn in the run free to play, and that feels a bit less progressive. Battle Train is therefore better in concept than in execution. It could potentially become a great board game, but needs a few more elements to make and keep it addictive. That is currently lacking a bit, which makes the game fall a bit short in terms of content.”

“How 2 Escape: Lost Submarine is a masterful piece of game design. If you’re a fan of escape rooms, this is an absolute must-have. You don’t need to buy two copies to play together, and the clever puzzles provide over six hours of intense co-op fun. Both the PS5 game and mobile app are excellently crafted. Fans of We Were Here or Split Screen Fiction rejoice: this is your next adventure. This is a game that will not only test your brain, but also your mutual bond.”

“Copycat is all about the story and the message it wants to convey. From assumptions you make yourself, to families that would rather see you go than come. And from other cats that are only too happy to take your place and mingle in your 'home'. These life lessons are the highlight of the game, and quickly make you forget the mediocre gameplay , the far from impressive graphics and the slight camera bugs. This is not a high-quality game, but it plays well and gives you a calming feeling, and even brings some emotion here and there. Copycat has been out for the PC for some time now and is now finally playable on the console, and honestly, it is definitely worth it for every cat lover, or anyone considering getting a cat. It makes you realize what responsibilities this entails, and that an animal can also struggle with its emotions.”

“The game teaches you more about James Ensor in a playful way, and perhaps even more importantly: it invites you to really look. At art, at details, at the stories behind the work. Please, Touch the Artwork 2 was made with great care and love by solo developer Thomas Waterzooi and knows how to combine art and play in an accessible way. It is creative, relaxing and above all original. It is therefore a pity that you get through it quickly, and the price tag is on the high side. But if you have any interest in old artists, it is good to support this game, hopefully we will get a nice compilation with all the Belgian masters.”

“KIBORG is a fun game in terms of concept and especially the ever-new approach to a run, where you try to get as far as possible, is interesting. The upgrade tree that brings permanent upgrades and the implants that you can replace each session means that there is a little bit of tactics involved. The gameplay of the fights, however, quickly becomes boring and too much of the same. You are actually constantly button-bashing, with here and there perhaps some defending and rolling to avoid attacks and armor from opponents. In terms of content, this roguelike does not have that much content due to the repetition that quickly occurs. Considering the reasonable price of the game, KIBORG is certainly worth it for people who find the concept interesting. However, if you expect a high-quality game with addictive gameplay and a lot of variety, then you better skip this game.”