DeVuego

The battles are tough but fair, the magic and parrying system is satisfying, the weapon system caters to different playstyles, and the Liturgical Horror visuals are hauntingly beautiful.

Relicta offers some fine puzzle solving gameplay for those who are dying for more of it. If you loved every minute of Portal, The Witness, Obduction, or other sorts of puzzle adventures then Relicta does have something for you. But it’s not as well polished as those titles, and doesn’t offer as much creativity in puzzle solving, or variety in the puzzles themselves. The world around this does though, and presents a decent story to delve into. But there’s a lot more that could be done to fine tune the experience overall.

In terms of pure gameplay and fun-factor, GRIS doesn’t quite measure up against the likes of Celeste or God of War. While engaging, GRIS doesn’t reach the same level of gameplay depth as its peers, and it’s three hour or so runtime is a little on the short side. However, Nomada Studio has absolutely crafted what I feel is an essential gaming experience. The art and music of GRIS moved me in a way that previously thought impossible for a video game, and its gameplay is what kept me invested enough for that to happen. While it’s not “fun” in the same way that most games are, GRIS is nonetheless enjoyable as an incredibly beautiful and powerful experience.

The Red Strings Club is a true cyberpunk classic. Pixel-art visuals and a cyberpunk world make way for fascinating gameplay and a truly compelling, well written story. The game may be short, but its impact will last for a good long while, and you can always jump right back in to see how your choices shape the narrative. The game will force you to make tough decisions while questioning your own thoughts about important, current day topics. This is an indie title you won’t want to miss.

The whole package comes together to create another amazing 2D Metroid experience. Metroid: Samus Returns stands alongside Zero Hour and Fusion as another fantastic handheld entry for this almost always great series. When deciding whether or not Metroid: Samus Returns is worth checking out just think about these two things. There’s a reason that the Metroidvania genre is so popular these days, and there’s a reason why this series is featured in the genre’s name. While this isn’t Samus’ greatest adventure, it is still a very good one.

Rime is a competent puzzler, but its real strengths are in its ability to draw emotions from the player using the combination of great art, music, and a thought provoking ending.

Rise & Shine is a fun game with some exhilarating moments of combat. It is rough around the edges in many areas, but I walked away from my playtime feeling satisfied. At its price point, Rise & Shine is definitely worth it for fans of the genre. 

A unique and excellent adventure, with puzzles and mystery at every turn. Although its main appeal will be to retro gamers, there are enough strong qualities to attract those who may not normally play within this genre. Graphics and soundtrack are charming and a joy to experience.