Gamer Social Club

“Sonic Wings Reunion, while being a silly little side-stop in my gaming, is not something that is setting the world on fire. For the fanbase of this series, I am certain that I am probably making someone mad over there. But the game…just doesn’t lend itself to being anything beyond an arcade game. If you have been following this series since it began in the early 1990’s, maybe it’s worth picking up. But if you find yourself a newbie to Sonic Wings world, you may not see what the fuss is about and might opt to spend your hard-earned money elsewhere. And I wouldn’t blame you.”

“Miho’s 5-hour adventure is one that’ll be sticking with me for a while and it is one that I plan to come back to with my young children when they’re ready to play video games. Like the best kids movies, there are important moral and social messages within that I believe this game can be a conduit to communicate.”

“All in all, Tiny Lands Deluxe Edition is a delightful, soothing experience that should happily find its home in your collection on PS5 or Xbox Series if you are looking to relax and enjoy a bit of mindful fun.”

“Cats and Seek: Kyoto is another cats game that offers micro advances to the genre. The new painting mode and cat bios add something welcome and I hope they return. The core gameplay remains the same as its always been. Kyoto was a pleasure to virtually visit, though this entry is a short one that should have had at least one more stage.”

“While it’s not perfect and could use a bit of rethinking in some of it’s systems, Slime Rancher 2 is still a fun, low conflict game. I honestly think everyone needs at least one game they can turn on and just relax with and much like the first game, it’s a good option to go with if you’re looking for a fun cozy game.”

“During the best of times, it felt like a game that was a school project. At some of the worst times, it felt like a game that I’m not sure who it was made for. Maybe there is a subset of gamers that really enjoy on the rail gun games, or maybe those who just want a very quick shooter. Either way, in a year that has been incredibly competitive with games unfortunately Candy Rangers does not rank highly.”

“Blippo+ is definitely unique, and I have never played anything like it. I didn’t have any sort of video games growing up, so when I was sick from school, I used to watch daytime television. Blippo+ takes me back to sitting on the couch with flat lemonade watching Days of Our Lives and I am here for it. It is obvious that a lot of love and effort has gone into recording the shows, and it comes across in every aspect.”

“The House of Tesla is a well presented, brain-teasing adventure that clearly aims to honour the legacy of Nikola Tesla through intricate puzzles and atmospheric design. It succeeds in creating a moody, immersive world, but the experience is often undermined by fiddly controls, inconsistent logic, and a hint system that feels more like a monetisation relic than a genuine aid. Despite this entry in the series not launching on mobile, the game’s mobile-first design is hard to ignore, and while it doesn’t ruin the experience on PC, it does make certain frustrations, like the push toward using hints, feel more deliberate than accidental.”

“Having played all the console Hidden Cats games and spinoffs, I’d started to burn out a little. However, Tokyo is a return to form as the expanded title provides more stages than ever but never drops the quality.”

“In the end, Arctic Awakening feels worthy of standing alongside the titans of the narrative-driven genre. It doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it refines it with sincerity and focus. With its emotional storytelling, immersive world, and memorable companion, it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. For players who loved Firewatch or The Long Dark, this is a must-play. For everyone else, it’s still a story worth braving the cold for.”

“Platypus Reclayed is an excellent remake of a classic shooter. A full rebuild that has been crafted with a lot of love and community engagement (do checkout the fun Claymatic Discord) that met every expectation I had. Showing no signs of ageing, the gameplay improvements make the 23 year old game feel brand new.”

“Henry Halfhead is a brief, joyful experience that highlights the significance of play. It is a game that invites you to have fun, try stuff out, see what you can do, build, and achieve, without the pressure to be the best or improve some skill set. The wacky premise, unique gameplay, and focus on creativity and discovery amount to the perfect environment for players to find their own fun.”

“ZOE Begone! is a classic shmup; bullets everywhere, and points to rack up. With it’s responsive gameplay, unique art style, and sound, it is a joy to play. It is gloriously addictive and can sit proudly alongside the likes of Cuphead as a shoot-em-up, providing you with that incredibly rewarding feeling when you succeed, and can finally get some well-earned sleep!”

“A harmonious soundtrack, gorgeous painting-like graphic design and a short, yet memorable story which will stick with me. Well, at least until I alter my choices for my second and third playthroughs. I best get the tea leaves in the pot, hadn’t I?”

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Bad Cheese and would recommend it to anyone who likes things on the weirder side of life. However, without the ability to chapter select, any missed collectibles means a completely new playthrough, which might be a turn off for completionists.”

“If you enjoy games like Unpacking or Make Room, Whisper of the House is one to check out. Whether you’re drawn in by the cozy unpacking and design or intrigued by hidden secrets, this game has plenty of both. But players beware, there’s more than meets the eye. The only way to uncover it is by playing it yourself.”

“With Öoo, Nama Takahashi has made another charming and creative puzzle game that I found immensely enjoyable, with just the right amount of challenge from start to finish. It is another great example of his design ethos on mechanics and their implementation, where the joy and satisfaction of successfully applying the knowledge you have learned is your reward.”

“MakeRoom puts focus on creativity and design, and very minimal in structure beyond learning mechanics. For some this comes off less game and more sandbox, but that definitely isn’t a bad thing. Instead it gives players the tools to design without pressure or parameters. An open space to explore their own imagination.”

“1000 Deaths is an enjoyable indie that takes a lot of inspiration from TV pop-culture and infuses it with classic platforming gameplay, then garnishes with its creative gravity-bending mechanic. The story and all the paths we can take are interesting, even if a little confusing at times.”

“Catto’s Post Office is the cat’s meow. Delivering a low pressure, cozy experience curled up into a nice cat shaped ball. With its heartfelt story, adorable characters and soft gameplay it’s the perfect way to unwind. Like a cat in the sun, Catto’s Post Office leaves a lasting warmth even after you’ve finished the game.”