DENNIS GAGLIARDOTTO
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars Review
Even though it's wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, there's still enough about Asterigos: Curse of the Stars that makes it a great game in its own right and provides its own identity, and a big part of that has to do with its flexibility, accessibility, and simple intuitiveness of its gameplay that makes it a comfortable and enjoyable experience compared to most within the genre.
Time Loader Review
Time Loader won't blow puzzle fans away by any means, but it's a nice and relaxing enough trek through a time period that's so vastly overlooked in favor of the decades between the 40s and 80s we see so much of, though its caveats and slow-paced nature will likely bore more than entertain, and it's a shame when a lot of detail has clearly been put into its level design despite the lack of graphical fidelity on Nintendo Switch.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits Review
Even with its combat not being up to par because of a few things, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, polished, and engaging adventure games in years that in ways feels like a love letter to the platformers and adventures of yesteryear that helped define the genre to this day. The 10 to 15 hours you'll spend in Kena's shoes will shower you with one of the most captivating experiences that's difficult to put down, and for Ember Labs' debut title, this has easily and quickly put them on the map for one of the most talented studios currently in the business.
Mary Skelter Finale Review
Mary Skelter Finale may feel unnecessary to some, but I think what remains as the biggest disappointment is unfortunately the lack of anything really exciting or different to give off that feeling of a proper finale. However, Mary Skelter Finale is a competent send off for the series and one that I'm sure fans that have invested time into its Blood Maidens and world since its debut on Vita in 2017 will miss deeply.
7th Sector Review
7th Sector is a stunning puzzle game at its core but introduces many different ways of going about progression that isn't done in a typical level-based fashion, and makes sure that despite its simplicity in approach to gameplay, that the environment around you - especially the background - is one that feels alive and tells a narrative as you play.
RIME Review
There are times when a game comes out - whether it's highly anticipated, a sleeper hit, an Indie darling, etc. - that simply takes your breath away and renders one speechless. The last couples of years alone has seen releases that do just this, both big and small, that have made it no better time to be playing video games. So many fantastic games have achieved this through a collective effort of polishing and making all aspects of the game feel whole and complement each other equally without sacrificing anything in return. RIME can now be added to this list as a stunning game with an incredible atmosphere, impeccable score, and world to explore as you find out who you are while experiencing the wonder and beauty Tequila Works has crafted with their new title.
Akiba's Beat Review
Akihabara. It's a beautiful city that no matter how many times games take us there virtually, it'll always be a sight to see. It's especially a treat to gamers who tend to lean more towards Japanese developed titles that step away from the typical Western FPS and shoot-em-ups we see more and more of from developers. Akiba's Beat brings us just there to Akihabara, and brings the universe of Akiba's Trip with it, being a successor to it. It may have not been immediately obvious thanks to the 180 approach Akiba's Beat takes and has virtually no similarity to Akiba's Trip, but it still holds its own, even if all the magic and quirkiness of Akiba's Trip is mostly gone from Akiba's Beat, for better or for worse.