I was sent Lil’ Guardsman for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinions of the game. This will be my honest review of the game. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.
What is Lil’ Guardsman
Lil Guardsman Lil’ Guardsman is a narrative deduction game out now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch.
Lil’ must cover her dad’s shift at the city gate. It is up to her to decide who gets let into the city, and who gets turned away. Equipped with magic tools and mostly intuition, she must make the choices that will determine the city’s future. Not everyone trying to enter the city has good intentions. Can she keep the city safe, or will she let it crumble into chaos as is foretold in the prophecy?
Gameplay
Lil’ Guardsman is a visual novel, which means a lot of the gameplay involves sitting through a story clicking choices in between. The choices matter, so choose carefully.
DuDuring each shift, Lil will encounter unique characters, listen to their story, and decide whether or not to grant them passage. Players have a limited amount of actions they can use to ask questions or use tools to determine a person’s intention. This means there is a lot of sitting around and listening to narrative, but the game is fun and quirky so it shouldn’t matter.
Thoughts
I had a lot of fun with Lil’ Guardsman. The game has adorable art, a quirky story, and a relaxing gameplay loop. If you enjoy visual novels or just want a comforting change of pace, you need to check out this game. I loved the game’s silly tone and story. This game is fun, and even though I found myself obsessed with getting a perfect score on each encounter, it was a relaxing experience I didn’t know I needed.
I was sent Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic for free to review for my site. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.
Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is an adorable hidden objects game with terrific flavor and a ton of content. If you ever enjoyed the I Spy books or have kids who do, this is a great game to add to your collection. The game features an adorable art style, a relaxing soundtrack, and simple but challenging gameplay.
The gameplay loop is simple: load up a map and find the hidden objects. You’ll need to actively change the environment like digging up holes, opening doors, or changing the weather to find some objects. While the game may appear cute and childish, there is enough of a challenge to stump players. There are clues available for when you get stuck, but even then it takes a bit of work to find everything. It isn’t an impossible game, but it is a lot harder than it looks.
There are a few ways to play this game: play through the campaign, create your own maps, or play through the community maps.
The campaign has themed levels based on popular myths and legends. I enjoyed the flavor, but I loved the rate of progression. Players start each level with a small map and a small list of items to find. The maps and lists get bigger the more levels they play through, and finding the objects gets progressively harder.
The map editor is easy to use and offers a lot of customization options. I am not creative when it comes to map-making, so I only messed around with it for a bit. I was overwhelmed with how many options were available, but was even more impressed by the community content that is already available. Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is a game whose longevity hinges on its community, and the community is vibrant. I was blown away by the amount of fun and creative maps already available. There is always a danger of inconsistency with these types of games, but it’s not so much an issue with games. At least for now, you’ll be busy for a while.
I enjoyed this game for the relaxing change of pace that it is. The game is cute, simple, and relaxing, but it isn’t a game I can spend hours on. I don’t have the attention span for this kind of game, but that is a personal problem. The game runs great, and If you enjoy the genre or are looking for a change of pace, Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic is a solid choice. This is also a fantastic game for kids, but it might be a little difficult if they are on the younger side.
You can pick up Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic on Steam for $12.99.
2023 has been a busy year for my blog. I got to play and review 60 new games, made a couple of new partnerships, and saw my blog grow in a way I never would have imagined. When I first started this blog, I expected it to be me complaining to the void about movies. I never imagined all the opportunities it would open up, and I am extremely grateful.
I want to thank you all for reading my content because none of this would have been possible without your support. It means so much to have people out there that care about what I have to say. I wish you all the happiest of New Year. I love you all!
According to Steam, I played 64 games this year, so I think it’s time to highlight some of my favorites. It was hard to choose only ten because I got to play a lot of cool games this year. After much deliberation, and in no particular order, I managed to come up with a list. I’ll leave a table of contents so you can skip to the game you want to read about.
If you enjoy my reviews, please like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.
1. Viewfinder
2023 was great for puzzle games, and Viewfindereasily stands out against the genre. Viewfinder allows players to solve puzzles by using pictures to manipulate the world. The game offers players unrivaled freedom to puzzle solving, a beautiful and imaginative world, a solid story, and a phenomenal soundtrack. I love puzzle games, and the amount of fun I had with the mechanics is nearly immeasurable. This was one of the games I nearly finished without breaks because of how invested I became with solving the puzzles. If you enjoyed the Portal games, you are going to love Viewfinder. Check out the full review.
2.Planet of Lana
I couldn’t have this list without at least mentioning Planet of Lana. This game was such a beautiful delight that I’ll always recommend it to everyone.
Aliens have invaded the planet and are taking its people, and Lana’s sister is one of them. With the help of her cute cat companion, she must brave the perilous landscape to bring her back. Can she do it before it is too late?
As Lana, players explore a mysterious planet where they solve puzzles, pick up clues, and learn about a forgotten history. I am a huge fan of the artwork for this game and a bigger fan of the soundtrack, but what sells it is the gameplay. You won’t experience a more relaxing or enjoyable experience than what you get from Planet of Lana. The game has fun puzzles, a solid story, a fantastic aesthetic, and a cute cat. If you’re looking for a chill and memorable puzzle adventure game, get Planet of Lana. Check out the full review.
3. Sea of Stars
I loved every minute of Sea of Stars and if you haven’t played it yet, you need to. I am a huge fan of the pixel art, it has a rocking soundtrack, and a solid story, but the gameplay is what sets it apart from the rest of the genre.
Valarie and Zale must use the power of the Sun and Moon to put an end to the evil alchemist known as the Fleshmancer. With the help of their friends, they must join forces and protect the world from the evil that threatens it.
If you enjoy turn-based RPGs, Sea of Stars should already be in your library. The game features a neat leveling system and an interesting artifact system that allows players to adjust the difficulty as they play. What sets the game apart is how creative combat is. Sea of Stars offers a more active approach to turn-based combat where players need to time their blocks and attacks to maximize their effectiveness. I assure you that you’ve never experienced anything like this. But if you don’t believe me, there is a demo you need to try. Check out the full review.
4. Worldless
Worldless was sucha unique platforming RPG experience that it needed to be on this list. I love the minimalistic aesthetic, but the complexity of its combat system is what made this game for me.
In the early stages of the universe, existence was filled with conflict. Powerful beings existed in constant conflict and fought to find their place in the universe. You play as one of these beings and must travel through the chaos to find your place within it. Unravel the truths of the universe as you fight for your survival, travel to new and mysterious lands, and unlock your truest potential.
Worldless offers players a beautiful world full of vibrant colors and sound. It is a platformer, but it is very manageable, especially for beginners. What sets this game apart is its rhythm-inspired turn-based combat system. To beat an encounter, players must time all their actions perfectly. It’s a system that makes the game engaging, but also gives it its challenge. If you are looking for a new RPG Platformer, check out Worldless. Make sure you read the full review.
5. Disgeae 7: Vows of the Virtueless
Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless was such a delight to play. I loved its silly tone, the art style, and quirky gameplay. If you are looking for a wholesome good time and don’t mind the overt anime style, this game is a solid choice.
Disgaea 7 is a JRPG where you follow Pirilika, a young rich demon, as she pursues her dreams to live a true bushido lifestyle. With the unlikely help of the demon Fuji, they embark on an adventure to bring the forgotten way of Bushido to the demonic realm of Hinomoto.
You don’t need to have played any of the other games in the series to pick up Disgaea 7. The story is silly, but it is pretty self-contained. I loved the super cute artwork and the humor of the story, but the combat in this game made me feel like I was a tactical genius. Combat in this game is not only adorable, it is engaging and you can change the difficulty whenever you want. This is definitely one of my favorites, and I highly recommend it. Check out the full review.
5. Backpack Hero
Backpack Hero is a great choice for anyone trying to pick up a game to sit back and relax. The art is cute, the gameplay is fun and engaging, and it is not a huge commitment.
Backpack Hero is an inventory management roguelike where players dive into procedurally generated dungeons in search of treasure and fame. You’ll often find too much treasure during your delve, and will often need to reconfigure what you take with you. As daunting as that idea may seem, it works.
I loved the randomness of each run. I had so much fun managing my resources and trying to find the right combination to get me a little further each time. Combat is a simple turn-based system, but the items you pick up along the way are what affect your success in an encounter. The absolute freedom the game gives you to build whatever you want makes the game the gem that it is. If you are looking for a new roguelike, go get Backback Hero. Check out the full review.
6. Steam World Build
I got a few village builders this year that were all fun, but SteamWorld Buildhas to be my favorite. It has such a cute aesthetic, fantastic flavor, and the best gameplay loop of the batch.
The world is about to end, and the remaining survivors must find a way off the planet. Build a settlement of robots who must dig through the mines to find their salvation. But the mines are full of dangerous monsters and unknown secrets. Can you find a way off the planet before it is too late?
I became obsessed with SteamWorld Build and had to force myself away. It starts like your traditional village builder, but there is also a tower defense element, some creative resource management mechanics, and the cutest little citizens you’ll have the pleasure of governing. If you’re new to the genre or simply looking for something new, check out SteamWorld Build. Read the full review.
7. The 7th Guest
The 7th Guest is my favorite VR game of the year. It has a cool story, a spooky aesthetic, and amazing puzzles. The 7th Guest is a mystery puzzle game. Players must solve a series of puzzles to uncover the tragic events that transpired all those years ago.
An eccentric toymaker has gathered a collection of unlikely strangers to his house for a party. Little do they know that his intentions are nefarious. The guests find themselves inside the twisted game where the truths are uncomfortable, and the secrets are dark.
The game offers players an immersive experience and a great mystery played by fantastic actors. The cutscenes in this game alone are worth the price of admission. What I loved most about this game were the puzzles, and how creative the devs got with them. Each room and theme is designed perfectly to create an experience I’ve yet to forget. If you like puzzle games, get this game. Check out the full review.
8. Dameo
I know this game didn’t come out this year, but I did get to play it this year and loved every minute of it. Whether you play it in VR or PC, you can’t get a more authentic TTRPG experience than what you get from Demeo. If you enjoy board games, this game should be in your library.
Demeo is an RPG that effectively emulates the board game experience. Choose your hero and team up with friends, and strangers, or delve into the many dungeons on your own. Demeo combines a unique deck builder system with dice roles and turn-based movement to create an unforgettable experience.
I loved the art and aesthetics, but the gameplay is what made me addicted. I got to try both the VR and PC versions and enjoyed each for different reasons. I liked the immenseness of VR, but I appreciate the convenience of playing on a PC. If you’re looking for something new, I recommend you pick up Demeo. Read the full review.
9. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
I’ve been waiting for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Tradersince it was announced, and I was not disappointed. I love the flavor, the aesthetic, the music, the story, and the combat. if you like Warhammer 40K, this game needs to be in your library.
As the empire’s newly appointed rogue trader, you must brace against the dangers of uncharted space and bring glory to the Emperor. But this won’t be an easy task. Face off against the horrors of the void, fend off bloodthirsty Tyranids, and make some money in the process. The journey will be horrific, and your choices will matter. What will be your story?
Owl Cat Games once again prove that they can make a fantastic tabletop experience. You can’t go wrong with any of their games, but Rogue Trader is easily my favorite. I love the flavor and lore it brings to the universe, but the combat is what made me keep playing. If you enjoy brutal dark fantasy and don’t mind turn-based strategy, get Rogue Trader. Read the full review.
10. Strayed Light
Last but not least we have Strayed Lights. I don’t normally go for soul-like games, but this one blew me away. The art is beautiful, the music is phenomenal, and the combat system is fantastic.
You play as a being of light who goes on a journey of self-discovery. Travel across a dreamlike world to cleanse the world of its darkness. Do you have what it takes to complete your journey?
Strayed Lights has such a fantastic narrative, but none of it is spoken. The way it can convey so much through the actions of the characters is something you need to experience once. The world that makes up Strayed Lights is beautiful. I loved the colors, the lights, and how creative the devs got with the wildlife. The game also featured my favorite soundtrack of the year.
The game features a unique combat parry system that makes it stick out against the other games in the genre. If you are in the market for a new soul-like, check out Strayed Lights. Read the full review.
I was sent Card Detective free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.
Card Detectiveis a story-rich deck builder available now on Steam for $3.99. Play as investigative reporter Hazel Gong as she stumbles into one of the biggest mysteries of her career. An accident at a construction site unearths a dead body. The circumstances surrounding the death are a mystery, and it is up to Hazel to solve it. Gather the suspects, ask pressing questions, and figure out who did it in this unique and creative experience.
There is no denying that Card Detective looks good. I am a huge fan of the artwork, an even bigger fan of the comic book-style narrative and its fantastic soundtrack.
Card Detective is a unique deck builder, with gameplay helps it stand out against the rest of the genre. The goal of each encounter is to determine how to extract the truth with a deck of questions you construct throughout the game. Each encounter feels like a puzzle where you have to ask the right questions to get to the truth. There are moments when there is very little guidance or direction, but figuring things out on your own can be satisfying.
My issue with the game is that the story isn’t interesting. There are translation issues that make it an awkward read, and there wasn’t enough substance to hook me. After a couple of interrogations, the game got stale. While I appreciate everything Card Detective tries to do, the game needs better card mechanics and a better story.
Card Detective isn’t the worst way to spend $4. I liked the unique experience it offered and loved the aesthetics, but it didn’t do enough to earn a recommendation. I’m probably going to forget I played it. If you want a unique deck builder you might not finish, check it out on Steam. Otherwise, I would spend my money elsewhere.
I was sent Howl as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy these reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.
A strange disease spreads through the land, turning anyone who hears it into a violent beast. It is now up to one lone girl to brave the dangers of this new world and find the cure. Fight monsters, save survivors, and forge your destiny. Do you have what it takes?
Howl is such a beautiful game with a unique concept. I am a huge fan of the living ink art style. It reminds me of old Germanic folktales and makes for such a magnificent vibe. It has beautifully voice-acted narration, a phenomenal score, and some neat animations. I recommend you at least check out the demos to appreciate how pretty this game is.
Most importantly, Howl is a fun game with unique gameplay that would make an excellent addition to your library. While Howl does have unique strategy elements, the game feels like a puzzle.
Each stage has a limited number of turns, actions, and resources you can use to clear the stage and collect all of the loot. Each stage awards players with nodes of light or skulls that players will need to level up the prophet. These upgrades unlock or power up new spells and give you more turns per action. You’ll need these upgrades to 100% clear some stages.
The action economy is what makes this game unique. Where other strategy games separate hero and enemy actions, Howl combines them. Players have a set number of actions they can perform per turn. They can move a space, attack with an arrow, or use magic. Enemies perform their actions in reaction to a player’s. Players need to queue up all available actions in a turn while guessing how the enemy will react, turning this game into a puzzle. Players must manage their resources efficiently while guessing or memorizing enemy patterns effectively. There is an assist mode that lets you see enemy movements, but it is much more satisfying to solve correctly on your own.
I loved Howl because of how unique and manageable it is. If you are looking for a beautiful casual experience with enough of a challenge, this game belongs in your library. It looks cool, sounds great, and the gameplay is fun. You can pick up Howl on Switch and Steam today, or wait till January 23rd to get it on PlayStation, Xbox., or Epic Games. There is a demo available for Steam, Switch, and Xbox.
Howl is the game from this month’s Indie World Showcase that I was most excited about. The art style is beautiful, the hook is interesting, and the gameplay seems fun. The game is out now on Steam and Switch fpr $14.99, and will release on Xbox, PlayStation, and Epic Games on January 23rd. I was going to pick this game up regardless, but I was fortunate enough to have been sent a copy for review. I’ll be posting my full impressions soon, so stay tuned for that.
Howl is a uniquely stylized strategy game with a lovely classic folktale vibe. You play as a deaf girl who must brave the world’s dangers in search of a cure for a disease that ravages humanity. The disease is turning everyone who hears into beasts, and she is the only one who is immune to its effects. She must now fight the beasts that hunt her, save any remaining survivors, and become the hero fate needs her to be.
Howl isn’t your traditional turn-based strategy game. It plays like a puzzle where you must predict enemy moves and use resources efficiently. Howl seems like a nice change in pace from the norm, and I am here for it. Definitely check it out if you want to add something unique to your library.
Nintendo just had its Indie World Showcase, and there are a few titles to be excited for. I’ll be going over the five that stood out to me the most, not necessarily the best. Make sure you check out the full Showcase because there might be some hidden gems waiting for you.
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Howl
A curse has fallen onto the land, turning all who hear into blood-thirsty beasts. The world’s salvation falls on the hands of a deaf girl. Does she have what it takes to rid the world of this curse?
Howl is a turn-based strategy game coming to all major consoles. I fell in love with Howl the instant I saw it. Its art style has a classic fairy tale vibe that I adore, and the gameplay looks interesting. I recommend you check out the trailer to appreciate the concept.
You can pick up Howl now on Steam and Switch for $14.99. There is a demo available for both systems for those interested. Howl will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Epic Games on January 23rd, 2024. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist.
I did receive my review copy, so make sure you stick around for that. I was honestly going to pick it up regardless because this game gives me Child of Light vibes, and I love that game.
Planet of Lana
A strange force of alien robots has invaded the planet and has begun taking its inhabitants. It is up to Lana and her small cat companion Mui to brave the dangers of the wilderness and get her back. What secrets will this adventure unlock? Will Lana ever see her sister again?
I’ve reviewed Planet of Lana on my blog before, and I can’t stress how badly you need to play this game. It has beautiful art, a solid story, an amazing soundtrack, and some chill puzzle action. If you like puzzle adventure games, you need this game. Go read my full review if you want to know more.
Planet of Lana is coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 in the spring of next year, and trust me, it’s worth the wait. Make sure you wishlist it till then, or try the Steam demo in the meantime.
Backpack Hero
Backpack Hero is a unique inventory management roguelike that has finally come to the switch. Brave the perilous procedurally generated dungeons with only what fits in your backpack. The road is dangerous, and you will die a lot, but it will be a heck of a ride.
I’ve reviewed Backpack Hero before and loved every minute of it. The art is cute, but the gameplay is addicting. You’ll never have more fun managing your inventory. Check out my full review if you want to know more.
Backpack Hero is out now for the Switch, and it is about time. This is the perfect game to play on the handheld. It’s fun, relaxing, and not a huge commitment. Although it might become one once you get hooked. You can pick Backpack Hero on the Switch for $19.99, but it is on sale now for $16.99 until November 21. Backpack Hero is also available on Steam.
Death Trick: Double Blind
Morgan’s circus has come to town, but their star magician has gone missing, and it is up to you to find out what happened. What secrets will you uncover beneath the big top?
Death Trick: Double Blind is a unique visual novel that lets you embark on an intricate investigation and experience it from two perspectives. Choices matter, and you’ll have to come to your own conclusions, but it looks like it’s going to be a hell of a ride. The art is amazing, and I enjoy the concept. I’ve written about the game before, so make sure to check out the original post if you want to know more.
Death Trick: Double Blind comes to Steam and Switch sometime next year. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!
Blade Chimera
Last but not least we have Blade Chimera. Monsters and spirits have flooded the city, and it is up to Shin and the Missa Association to stop keeping humanity safe. Fight your way through this cyberpunk-themed 2D metroidvania game you aren’t going to want to miss. Use your demon sword to kill enemies, solve puzzles, and save humanity.
This game looks amazing, and I feel like I am due for another Metroidvania game. The art and aesthetic are awesome, and the gameplay looks fun. I am interested to see how creative they get with the sword’s magic. I know for a fact I am not good enough to beat this game, but I’d still like to try. Blade Chimera comes to Steam and Switch Spring 2024. Make sure you add it to your wishlist.
I was sent The 7th Guest for the Meta Quest 2 as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you need any accessories for your VR headset like a high quality charging cable or prescription lenses, get them over at ZyberVR. Use Discount code CHURAPE for 15% off your purchase.
The 7th Guest is a mystery adventure game for the Quest 2, Steam VR, and PSVR2. Seven guests have been invited to a mysterious mansion to play a dangerous game run by a nefarious toy maker. Guests must spend the night exploring the creepy mansion, solving its puzzles, and unfolding its mysteries. But the games aren’t as innocent as they appear. There is a sinister secret lurking in the shadows. Can you figure out what it is?
If you enjoy puzzle games, The 7th Guest should be in your library. This game looks amazing! The sounds, the graphics, and the aesthetic all work perfectly together to create the appropriate ambiance for the mystery it houses. The cutscenes are beautifully implemented, with wonderful actors to bring the story to life. I would play this game just to watch the performances. I love the story and went out of my way to make sure I collected every piece of the mystery. You might be able to solve it pretty early on, but it won’t matter.
The best part of this game is its puzzles. Each room in the mansion has a unique theme and set of puzzles. The themes are a lot of fun, and the puzzles get creative. Guests must clear the elaborate set of puzzles, and each solution uncovers uncomfortable secrets. There is a reason why the guests were gathered, and I had a lot of fun piecing together why.
The gameplay loop feels a lot like the Saw movies, except without any of the gore. You play a special recording and make your way through puzzles. The puzzles are challenging but manageable. If you get stuck, the game lets you buy clues with the currency it hides around the house. I never ran out of coins for clues, but I never really felt the need to use them much. My only complaint is that some puzzles aren’t easy to find, at least not intuitively. There were a few puzzles I needed to buy a hint in order to find it. It isn’t a huge deal because you’ll finish the game with more currency than you need, but it is an issue worth mentioning.
I loved this game because I love puzzles. Each room I cleared left me feeling accomplished, and hungry for more. The game runs great, it looks amazing, and it has a fantastic story. If you like escape rooms, or are looking for a good puzzle game, The 7th Guest should be in your library.
You can pick up The 7th Guest for the Quest 2, Steam VR, and PSVR2 for $29.99. It’s definitely worth it at that price.
Fervent Workshop is launching two unique games in their upcoming Kickstarter that you should look at if you like choose-your-own-adventure books, deck builders, dungeon crawlers, or Dungeons & Dragons. The campaign starts on October 16 and will feature the games What Lies Belowand Dungeon Maker Deluxe. This will be a short campaign, so go back early.
I play a lot of One Deck Dungeon, so when I saw the campaign for What Lies Below, I knew I needed to try it. This is a solo game where players dive through an immersive story-driven experience where danger is real, death is permanent, and your decisions matter. All you need to play this game is a pencil, a character sheet, and some luck. The game features unique skill checks, 14-win conditions, and many ways to die. Do you have what it takes to make it through once?
The game comes in two editions: Print-and-Play and bound printed book. The PNP version of What Lies Below includes an interactive PDF and a printable character sheet to get you started. Those who prefer physical media and have shelf space should opt for the book because you get both versions. Early backers will get an exclusive reusable dry-erase character sheet to use on their adventures. Most importantly, the Kickstarter will have a free sample of the game available for download. Make sure you grab your copy and try it out. If you like D&D and dungeon crawlers, you need to look into What Lies Below. I’ve got an early copy of the game and will post my impressions as soon as I get a few runs in. Stay tuned for that.
The second game making its debut is the dry-erase edition of Dungeon Maker Deluxe, which is an update to the existing Print-and-Play edition. Dungeon Maker Deluxe is a dungeon-crawler deck-builder that supports up to six players, with an option for solo play. Players draft from a deck of monsters and use them to fill the rooms and fortify their dungeons to keep out pesky adventurers. With all the possible combinations of dungeons, characters, abilities, and monsters, you are always guaranteed a unique delving experience. Do you have what it takes to stump your friends?
This game looks like a lot of fun, especially in a large group. I don’t have friends to play with, so I appreciate the solo play option. Dungeon Maker Deluxecombines all my favorite formats in one. If you like games like 7 Wonders or Tapestry, then you need to look into this Kickstarter. This update will include 36 unique cards (versus the 18 in the original), streamlined gameplay, new character art, and the dry-erase sheets.
If you want to see how these games are played, Board Games for One made a great video showcasing both. He gives a clear and easy-to-follow explanation of how to play the games and runs through a few scenarios to provide a solid preview of what to expect. Go check it out, and make sure you follow the Kickstarter. The campaign starts on October 16.
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Voting for the 2023 Golden Joystick Awards has started, and two games I’ve covered this year have been nominated, Viewfinder and Planet of Lana. I loved these games so much that I felt they were worth revisiting, at least for your consideration. Make sure you check out the original reviews, but please vote for whatever feels right.
Voting closes on October 20, and winners will be announced on November 10 during the ceremony. Make sure you head over to the official site to vote and show your favorite games some love.
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Viewfinder
Viewfinder is up for two awards this year, Best Visual Design and Best Indie Game. These nominations are spot on. This game was one of the most visually striking and innovative puzzle games I’ve ever played. Everything about this game is so much fun. The visuals are beautiful, the music is fantastic, and the puzzles are so much fun. If you haven’t played this game yet, you need to! Make sure you check out my full review and go play Viewfinder on Playstation or Steam! The game is currently $24.99 on both platforms and worth every penny.
Planet of Lana
Planet of Lana is up for Xbox Game of the Year, and I can’t think of a game more deserving. This is easily one of my favorite games of the year. it had a beautiful art style with a fantastic world, a wonderful story, and great mechanics. It also has one of the best sound tracks you will ever get to sit through. If you are looking for a fun and relaxing puzzle adventure game, you need Planet of Lana. Make sure you check out my full review. You can pick up Planet of Lana on Steam or Xbox for $19.99, or free if you have Game Pass.
