Souls Like Strings

An appropriately titled game

Why

• The memento puzzles are kinda neat brain teasers
• The premise of the game is an interesting concept

Why Not

• Somewhat incoherent story in a story-driven game
• They don't do as much as they could with the premise
• Nice pixel art ruined by constant filters
• Dialogue can be forced at times

Impressions

I've heard a lot of good things about this one but just don't get it. The premise is cool but underutilized in favour of a focus on characters who just aren't that interesting and their mountains of sad...

It's ok to just be ok

Why

• Charming pixel art & very nice water
• Which is used to creatively signpost some secrets
• The core combat/traversal mechanic is a cool idea

Why Not

• The core combat/traversal mechanic is more or less the only cool idea
• And it has a few drawbacks holding it back from carrying the game
• Didn't unlock a single achievement despite meeting the requirements...

Impressions

Sealed Bite is a short but solid platformer held back from being special by slight annoyances with its primary mechanic. Shortly after starting your journey a...

A whimsical fantasy metroidvania with Sanabi's gameplay but pacifist

Why

• Deeply weird in all the best ways
• Atmosphere really sells you being in a fairy tale
• Movement is much easier than it looks
• Boss 'fights' are fantastic, visually and mechanically
• Great use of achievements to signpost/hint at weird side content

Why Not

• You only care about the length of a game, not its quality

Impressions

Key Fairy is a surreal, unique experience which feels like a fairy tale come to life. Rather than fighting 'enemies' you liberate them from corruption by zooming...

Hyper-chaotic 1000xResist vibes with Persona's flair

Why

• Will definitely surprise you
• Also very good at the things you'd expect
• So much love & care was clearly put into it
• Banging soundtrack and visuals
• A multitude of cool little details

Why Not

• You're a cop

Impressions

I came into Unbeatable expecting a solid rhythm game with a unique style but ended up on a non-stop chaotic journey of emotion and philosophy. From Beat waking up in a meadow to escaping from police helicopters on a scooter and well beyond, I found it nearly impossible to...

A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine.

Surely there are better ways to communicate than nausea-inducing singing

The follow up to A Memory Called Empire doesn't land quite as well with me due to its wider scope, but is still a worthy successor.

The aliens clearly set up as antagonists in the first book are back, and they brought so, so many new characters along for the ride. Many of them POV characters too, I don't remember there being anywhere near this many POV shifts (if any?) in the first book. Off the top of my...