Hades 2 was, prior to a recent patch, a solid 9/10 game. It takes the expected notes of Hades 1, adds not only new variations and dynamics but also a new rhythm and game feel that complicates without overwhelming. Its soundtrack swells with potential and lives up to the high bar set by its predecessor...even if the first game's edges it out ever so slightly. It offers far more gameplay and challenge, extending play time by a considerable margin without wearing its welcome thin. Its only failing was, shockingly, in its story.

After the recent patch, it's yet another 10/10 and is the first game I've ever known to update its very PLOT to be better (and with voice acting, no less; it was no small cost to do the rewrite I'm sure). While I find the story of 1 to be more compelling even now, the writing now does its protagonist fair and creates far more interesting and engaging growth across each further victory.

Bravo, Supergiant. You've gone and proven why you're miles above so much of the competition yet again.

No matter your level of skill, the game is ultimately dependent on luck. That's fine, assuming the luck is fair. But when I play 15 games and get yakuman'd 13 times before the first row of discards is even out, and each time it's from a player with a hard to get character and cosmetics from the pay-to-play gacha mechanics...one begins to wonder if the luck really is fair.

By which I mean I'll just buy my own tiles IRL and play with folks in person instead, because there's statistical anomaly, and then there's ungodly unlikely. It certainly isn't making me want to spend money on this game, that's for sure. But hey, maybe you'll get lucky if you shell out your wallet. Not sure that's really what'll make a fulfilling win for you, though.

Outstanding writing from someone that intimately knows the LGBT+ experience, combat that is tight yet allows for creativity, adorable designs all over, and music I can jam to. This is the pinnacle of all RPG Maker games I've encountered, and I can't wait for the next project from these folks. <3

Patrick's Parabox is excellently paced and designed, teaching you each element and its varied applications one at a time before asking you to begin piecing them all together. Having 100% the main game, I can confidently say it has plenty of challenges to try your mind at with ever-increasing difficulty. Sometimes, it's even just fun to see what sort of paradoxes you can create!

And...wow, that's a lot of post-game puzzles. I've a long way to go even still.

Deep Rock Glactic is a game I've heard about but never looked into. Then, my friends started playing, and I saw it on sale, and...oh wow was I missing out. It's crazy addictive!

The guns (once you've unlocked them all) are varied and feel good to use, the monsters constantly keep you on your toes, the mining is satisfying to work around and watch those valuables vanish into your pockets, and each character invites a different mindset that greatly alters how you view and navigate the terrain. Your improvisation and teamwork is always put to the test. Random events and warnings keep even the same missions fresh. I'm a particularly big fan of the On-Site Refining mission type; the rails are fun to build and the logistics can be quite challenging.

My only complaint is that people dissatisfied with early weaponry may find it difficult to find the time to unlock all the weapons. There's some glorious stuff out there that takes a whole lot of leveling and missions to find. But it really rewards you for time and effort invested.

I don't regret buying this one bit <3

Ikenfell is a tidy tactics RPG with timing mechanics. I was heartened to see accessibility options for removing them, though, as they are absolutely required. Still, I enjoyed getting used to the various abilities and learning enemy patterns. And boy does every battle tend to test you. You really have to learn how to adapt, how to utilize each character to the best of your ability, and how to build in ways conducive to their skills.

The story is heartwarming, the characters engaging, and the lessons on point. I enjoyed the writing greatly and honestly could not find an excuse to put the game down lest I delay finding out more. The game is genuinely unsettling when it wants to be, mysterious at other times, and warm and bright in others.

There is one legitimate criticism and one utterly absurd criticism. The legitimate criticism is that the game can get slow. Enemies are not chumps to defeat unless you've outleveled the area greatly, and your item management and care well be put to the test. Even with optimal play, encounters can take a while, and bosses are true feats of endurance on occasion. I don't personally see this as a bad thing, as the gameplay was fun for me throughout.

The illegitimate criticism is that this game is "too Tumblr". By which I presume to mean "ew, diverse cast and non-binary pronouns". This is far more a plus, and they handle the inclusion tastefully and without going hamfisted. Quite honestly, every person complaining about this is giving a positive review of the game and a negative review for themselves.

The only negative I truly found in this game...was that I genuinely hated one song. I ADORE the soundtrack for every single other track; the music is wonderfully evocative and catchy. But...geez, that one song is painful. Still, I'd gladly play through this game again even if I had to hear it five times as much as I did.

Absolutely worth your time and money to experience. <3