Hades
Hades is a god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler that combines the best aspects of Supergiant's critically acclaimed titles. As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, you'll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself.
My Take:
"The way Hades weaves narrative into the roguelike loop is nothing short of genius. Every failure feels like progress, and the characters are unforgettable. A masterpiece of game design."
Celeste
Celeste is a challenging and narrative-driven platformer about climbing a mountain. It's a journey of self-discovery, beautifully told through tight controls, clever level design, and a heartfelt story about mental health.
My Take:
"Celeste's gameplay is tough but fair, making every screen cleared a victory. But it's the touching story and incredible soundtrack that elevate it to a truly special experience."
Undertale
Undertale is a role-playing game where no one has to get hurt. You control a child who falls into a world of monsters. You can choose to fight, or find a way to win without violence. Every choice has consequences.
My Take:
"Undertale completely subverted my expectations of what an RPG could be. It's charming, funny, and deeply emotional. A game that stays with you long after you finish it."
Hollow Knight
Explore a vast, interconnected world in Hollow Knight. Forge your own path through the ruined kingdom of Hallownest, battling tainted creatures and befriending bizarre bugs. Uncover an ancient mystery at the kingdom's heart.
My Take:
"The world of Hallownest is hauntingly beautiful. The exploration is incredibly rewarding, and the combat is precise and challenging. An absolute must-play for any fan of the genre."
Nine Sols
Nine Sols is a hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection-focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero's quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
My Take:
"The 'Taopunk' aesthetic is incredible, and the combat is so satisfying. Every parry feels amazing. It's a fresh take on the 2D action genre that I can't get enough of."
Balatro
Balatro is a poker-inspired roguelike deck builder all about creating powerful synergies and winning big. Combine valid poker hands with unique Joker cards to create varied synergies and builds.
My Take:
"Infinitely replayable and incredibly addictive. The way you can break the game with crazy combos is pure joy. It's the perfect 'one more run' game."
Return of the Obra Dinn
A first-person mystery adventure based on exploration and logical deduction. In 1807, the Obra Dinn, a merchant ship, has drifted into port with damaged sails and no visible crew. As an insurance investigator, you must find means to board the ship and uncover the fate of its 60 souls.
My Take:
"This is peak detective gameplay. The feeling of piecing together the story is unparalleled. The 1-bit art style is not a gimmick; it's essential to the experience. A true masterpiece."
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a reactive turn-based RPG with immersive real-time offensive and defensive commands. Embark on a desperate journey as Gustave and his fellow Expeditioners, as they venture into a surreal new world to destroy the Paintress before she erases the last of humanity.
My Take:
"The art style is absolutely breathtaking, inspired by French art and culture. The reactive turn-based combat looks incredibly engaging, and the story premise is so unique and melancholic. I can't wait to play this."
Inscryption
Inscryption is an inky black card-based odyssey that blends the deckbuilding roguelike, escape-room style puzzles, and psychological horror into a blood-laced smoothie. Darker still are the secrets inscrybed upon the cards.
My Take:
"What a trip. This game is so much more than it seems. The atmosphere is incredible, and the way the game constantly evolves and breaks the fourth wall is mind-blowing. Go in blind."