DeVuego

All in all, American Arcadia is a fun and engaging game. Out of the Blue is clearly talented at storytelling and has a knack for creating interesting puzzles, but I can't help but feel like this game is playing it a bit too safe at times with how basic many of its mechanics and gameplay systems are. It's not hands-on enough like Call of the Sea to let its puzzles carry the experience to new heights, and in particular the side-scrolling 2D platforming parts can frustrate more than they entertain. But, if you've been looking for a new adventure game to fill your evenings now that the rush and hubbub of 2023 is slowing down, American Arcadia is definitely worth checking out.

But this doesn't detract from the fact that Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is the next interesting step forward by Riot in expanding and continuing to tell stories in the League of Legends universe beyond the MOBA. For anyone interested in the fantasy realm, this is a fun way to learn more about several key Champions, without needing to learn the ropes of the popular competitive title. And for younger players, there's a huge amount to enjoy here too. It's simple to pick up and understand, has interesting mechanics and systems, and a vibrant and colourful world. Just don't expect to be blown away by what Tequila Works has built here, because it's, all in all, a very predictable and familiar title buffed with a League of Legends polish.

Still, even though it does have its dull moments, for the most part, The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is an absolutely wonderful interactive fiction adventure game. It's compelling, features genuine humour and emotion, has unique and ingenious mechanics, and importantly, is beautifully animated. Deconstructeam has an affinity for pixel-based artwork and that is shown once again here in this title. So, while witches and tarot reading might not be everyone's forte, if you're looking for a relaxing, charming, and fun indie title to play on PC or Nintendo Switch, you won't go wrong with The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood.

Even though it isn't perfect, the basic collectibles being one of the flaws, Scarf is a game that I find hard to see as anything less than charming. It's around 5-6 hours long, meaning it doesn't overstay its welcome, and it will make you want to keep playing until you reach the conclusion. Sure, the narrative isn't the easiest to make sense of, but that is made up for with the engaging puzzles and the fun gameplay mechanics. This isn't a title that is designed to challenge you, but it will leave you feeling contempt, and considering Scarf is launching just ahead of the holiday period, it's hard to see this game as anything less than a prime way to relax over the next couple of weeks.

With all of this being said, I did really enjoy my time with Epic Chef. This is a title that is largely fun and unique and will likely resonate with the life-sim fanbase. It isn't perfect, but it has plenty of depth and variety that keeps it fresh, even if it can be a little monotonous to play at times. But, if you're looking for a title to drop a few hours into here and there, to have a relaxed and stress free gaming session, then it's hard to say you'd go wrong with what Infinigon Games has created, because Epic Chef ticks a lot of those boxes.

In an age where platformers are commonplace, and indie games with pixel graphics desperately oversaturate the market, you might overlook this unique and challenging title from Astral Pixel. But, if you are a fan of games that push you and aren't afraid of racking up a few deaths (well... a lot) then Super Magbot is a game you should absolutely be keeping an eye on, as the simplicity of its controls, the unique game mechanics, and the fast pace will assuredly keep you entertained and craving for more.