ActRaiser Renaissance is a video game where you play as God rebuilding human civilization destroyed by evil. With two main parts, simulation and sidescrolling action, guiding and defending your village against monsters is incredibly fun. The challenge ramps up gradually with time, making it addicting. The combat system is competent, with various enemy types, hidden power-ups, and expanded controls. The game is meticulously crafted, genuinely improves on the original game, and maintains the spirit of what made it special. ActRaiser Renaissance is a dark horse to become game of the year and is suitable for players who love simulation and sidescrolling games.
What we like:
Fun tower-defense style missions
Meticulously crafted simulation and sidescrolling parts
Explore the ruins of the once glorious city as Haak, the brave traveler. With retro-futuristic pixel world and hand-drawn graphics, this Metroidvania-style game will keep you hooked, using your hook, dash, and charged slash to uncover hidden rooms and secrets. Enjoy extremely good and fluid platforming, fun mechanics, solid level design and challenges that adapt to your skills. Make meaningful choices to change the game's fate with multiple endings. Join in and become the light that repels the darkness!
What we like:
Fun platforming
Great combat mechanics
Well-designed levels
Good controls
Engaging story and atmosphere
What could be improved:
Linear with stingy ability gating
Tedious and punishing platforming with dubious checkpoints
IOS iPhonePlaystation 4Nintendo SwitchPC WindowsMac OSXbox One
Seven Sirens is a new addition to the Shantae series, previously exclusive to Apple Arcade but now on Switch. It has a similar formula to the praised Pirate's Curse, featuring Metroidvania style gameplay, individual stages, Zelda-like dungeons, and a catchy soundtrack. However, instead of a game with expanding maps, Shantae has a single, large map divided into various zones with warp points. The addition of Monster Cards which drop from dying monsters, provides buffs for Shantae throughout the game. The game is also full of callbacks to previous games, with a new dance parlor, timed battle dungeon, and many characters from Half-Genie Hero. The game looks great with colorful backgrounds, though there can be slowdown, and has a toe-tapping soundtrack. However, there are some minor complaints such as short load screens and invisible important objects on the map. Regardless, Seven Sirens is a must for Shantae or Metroidvania fans with a lot of personality and a lot of replayability.
GrimValor is a dark fantasy action-adventure game with smooth controls, fast movements and challenging enemies. You will need to master basic movements, earn new abilities and access items while taking on powerful bosses. Enjoy an immense amount of content with no IAPs or ads.
What we like:
Smooth controls
Fast movements
Challenging enemies
No IAPs or ads
Robust RPG mechanics
What could be improved:
Collision detection can be gummy near walls and platform edges
Occasional attempts at story-telling not up to standards of the rest of the game
Set off on an adventure as a mild-mannered witch who transforms into a flying eyeball of vengeance after a smarmy knight and wizard steal her spell ingredients.
PC WindowsAndroidIOS iPhoneXbox Series XstadiaXbox OneNintendo SwitchPlaystation 4
Lost Words is a 2D narrative adventure game where players move words to solve puzzles. The game features a story written by Rhianna Pratchett and ties the narrative into the gameplay in an unusual way, by having the player running on and interacting with words to solve puzzles.
IOS iPhonePlaystation 5Playstation 4Nintendo SwitchPC WindowsMac OS
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is a hand-drawn adventure following a lost gibbon as they embark on a dangerous journey into unknown lands. Master the gibbon’s art of brachiation (swinging from branch to branch) at high speed, building momentum, pulling off spectacular somersaults. Race to freedom in liberation mode, or play through an hour-long narrative that captures the real struggle of living creatures.
IOS iPhonePlaystation 4AndroidNintendo SwitchXbox OneXbox Series XLinuxMac OSPC WindowsPlaystation 5
Get ready to challenge your mind with Kombinera, a unique and inventive puzzle game! Navigate orbs through over 300 different stages, combining them to solve intricate puzzles. With its simple yet captivating gameplay, Kombinera will test your strategic thinking and timing skills, offering both frustration and joy as you conquer each level. Are you up for the challenge?
What we like:
Challenging and strategic gameplay
Over 300 unique levels
Quick restarts for uninterrupted play
Hidden collectibles and par times for extra challenges
Offers a sense of accomplishment upon solving puzzles
What could be improved:
High difficulty level may lead to frustration
Small font size for level numbers and speedrunning clock