Category: Previews
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Hokko Life: Buggy And Boring – PC Early Access Review
I recently began to question how interactive a video game needs to be. My original hypothesis was that, for the most part, the more you can interact with a video game and its systems, the better the game is. But over the years, and thanks to the countless hours I’ve sunk into less than stellar…
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Frozenheim: The Epitome Of City Building RTS – PC Early Access Review
The serenity commonly offered by city-building RTS games has been lost on me as of late. Apart from the rather spectacular, The Colonists, most city-building games have let me down. They’ve failed to capture the same bliss and imagination afforded by their predecessors. Frozenheim initially promised me a trip through memory lane, a best-of collection…
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We Are The Caretakers: Utterly Phenomenal – PC Early Access Review
One of the main reasons I got into games journalism was to explore a side of video games that I had previously neglected. Up until about a year ago, the majority of the games that I played were either triple-A titles or well established indie games. But, upon starting my career at The Game Crater,…
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A Space For The Unbound: Hi-Bit Narrative Bliss – Demo Preview
When initially scrolling through the games in this year’s LudoNarraCon, it only took a single look at the screenshots to sell me on A Space For The Unbound. I hopped into the prologue and was immediately taken in by its hyper-detailed hi-bit rendition of Indonesia in the 1990s and drawn into the heartwarming magical realist narrative. In…
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Mind Scanners: Papers Please Meets 1984 – Demo Preview
While there have been some attempts to capture the brilliance of Lucas Pope’s Paper’s Please, none have innovated and scratched that pencil-pushing itch for me as much as the demo for the upcoming game Mind Scanners. In this dystopian future, you take control of a mind-altering cog in the machine, clamping down on anyone not…
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TUNIC: A Nostalgic Soulslike – Demo Preview
Featuring in this year’s Ludonaracon round-up of demos is TUNIC. It is a golden-hour lit hack and slash adventure game that combines the melancholic atmosphere and combat of Hyperlight Drifter with a warm blanket of comforting nostalgia. “Underneath the combat is a satisfying Metroidvania experience” From looking through initial screenshots and playing through the first…
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Beacon Pines: Hauntingly Charming – Demo Preview
At this year’s LudoNarraCon, I got to try out a demo for Beacon Pines. Fortunately, I am happy to announce that not only did I absolutely love it, but that I cannot wait for its full release. Beacon Pines is a delightfully charming title with a lot of wit, character and laughs to be had.…
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Button City: Cute Arcadey Fun – Demo Preview
At this year’s LudoNarraCon, I got to try out a demo for Button City. While going in, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I am happy to report that my stay at Button City was an exceedingly happy one. Button City is, without a shadow of a doubt, immensely enjoyable. From its colourful art…
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Unpacking: Moving Has Never Been So Relaxing – Demo Preview
I’m moving house by the end of the week, so given the opportunity to try out Unpacking’s demo at this year’s LudoNarraCon seemed like a no brainer. Maybe I could pick up some tips? Maybe it would help me deal with the stress that will consume me when I move? Well, I’m more than happy…
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Kraken Academy!!: Crazy Fun – Demo Preview
Kraken Academy!! is one of many of the LudoNarraCon demos I’ve gotten a chance to play. However, it is by far the most hectically brilliant one I’ve played. With an off-the-walls narrative, hilarious dialogue and gorgeous character art, Kraken Academy!! has definitely become one of my most anticipated indie games of 2021. “While the Kraken…
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Teacup: A Wholesome Cup Of Tea – Demo Preview
The moment I started playing Teacup, I fell in love. This demo, which I thankfully got the chance to play over LudoNarraCon 2021, is perhaps the most wholesome game I’ve ever played. It is absolutely gorgeous, beautifully quaint and exceptionally unique. I will happily admit that I loved each and every minute of my time…
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No Longer Home: A Beautifully Bleak Portrayal Of Life – Demo Preview
If this year’s LudoNarraCon event has taught me anything, it’s that narrative-heavy games are my bread and butter. I love them all, from the downright quirky to the solemnly poignant. No Longer Home fits into the latter category. Despite being a bleak portrayal of the downtrodden youth culture in the UK, something I am all…