Recent reviews by PhoenixofHope

An Eyes to See was a challenging but fun experience. I really appreciate the in-game hint system and the detailed official walkthrough, it’s clear a lot of care went into making sure players don’t get completely stuck. The puzzles are clever and rewarding, though I will say they can be quite challenging and sometimes a bit cryptic. This might not be the most casual puzzle experience, but if you enjoy spending time thinking through complex challenges, this game definitely delivers.

The controls take a little getting used to, since you can only look around rooms with the keyboard, which felt a bit limiting for me. That said, everything in the game does eventually make sense, and the sense of accomplishment when you solve a puzzle is very satisfying.

Overall, I think An Eyes to See is a wonderful creation for anyone who loves intricate puzzle games. Personally, it wasn’t quite my style, but I can absolutely see it being a real gem for puzzle enthusiasts.

Poco is one of the cutest, most charming point-and-click adventure games I’ve played in a long time!

The visuals are absolutely adorable, wonderfully expressive and imaginative, with hand-crafted backgrounds and quirky characters. At the same time, the game carries just a hint of a darker, deeper story beneath its cute surface, which kept me thinking about it even after I finished.

Gameplay hits that perfect sweet spot of fun puzzles and exploration, not too easy but satisfying to figure out and the world is packed with fun little moments and lovable homunculi that help make Poco’s journey feel meaningful.

The only “complaint” (if you can call it that) is that I wish there was more. More story, more world, more adventures. The ending left me wanting a sequel or continuation so badly because this world is just too delightful not to revisit!

All in all, Poco is a must-play for fans of whimsical, point-and-click adventures. I’d happily play a whole series of games like this!

I had a great time playing TRACE Definitive Edition! This is a lovingly crafted point‑and‑click escape puzzle game, a full remaster of the original web release.

What I loved most:
-Clever puzzles – The challenges are genuinely engaging and there’s a real “aha!” feeling when everything clicks. Some of the trickier puzzles definitely had me thinking hard.
-Beautiful visuals & atmosphere – The updated graphics and environments really bring the world to life compared to the original web version, and the attention to detail adds to the immersion.

What could improve:
-Optional hint system – Because a few puzzles can be tricky without walkthroughs, I’d love to see an optional hint button in future updates so players can get a nudge if they need it without spoiling anything.
-More story elements – Leading up to the launch, the devs released short web games/videos that expanded on the storyline. I almost wish some of that narrative had been included in the game itself to give a deeper look into the lore. Overall, I’d love to see more story elements added in the future

Overall, TRACE Definitive Edition is a delightful escape/puzzle game that’s well worth your time if you enjoy methodical, thoughtful challenges with character and style.

I had a really fun time with Finnish Cottage 8. It isn’t a terrifying horror game (so don’t expect constant jump scares), but it nails a quiet, eerie atmosphere.

What I liked:
-Great atmosphere, both peaceful and unsettling.
-Simple but engaging gameplay: The anomaly spotting mechanic is easy to grasp but still rewarding, especially when you catch a tricky change and escape another loop.

What could be better:
-A bit short: The whole experience can run fairly quick (under ~30–60 minutes for many players).
-Radio volume and audio quirks: The constant Finnish radio (while atmospheric) can be very loud compared to other audio elements.

Final thoughts:
Overall, Finnish Cottage 8 is a solid indie experience. It’s atmospheric, enjoyable, and clearly the product of a small team that knew what they wanted to make. It’s not intense horror, but it is a charming little puzzle/horror hybrid that’s worth checking out.

Red Bow: Strange Dream is a beautifully crafted return to the eerie world of Red Bow, offering a short but immersive experience that expands on the original while standing confidently on its own. The updated visuals are a real highlight. The pixel art is vibrant, atmospheric, and thoughtfully colored, making each area feel distinct and memorable.

I really enjoyed seeing familiar characters return alongside new additions, which helped deepen the world and its lore without overwriting what made the original game special. While I personally didn’t find this entry quite as frightening as I remember the original being, that may simply come down to how much the horror genre has evolved and become more familiar over the past few years. The unsettling atmosphere and themes are still very much present and effective.

A huge shoutout to Stranga Games for delivering such a polished experience as a solo dev. It’s genuinely impressive.

Really fun so far. Feels just like the first game in all the good ways. Puzzles are a bit easier, but still satisfying. Excited to see more levels and community maps.

This has been such a fun experience. I'm not even 10hrs in yet when I'm writing this but the amount of work you can see has gone into this is astounding!
I remember playing the EA 'Harry Potter' game that was released in 2001. My favorite part of that game was just exploring Hogwarts and trying to find all the secrets it had to offer. So to make a game that feels so nostalgic to that, is beyond exciting for me.
There are so many quests to complete, places to explore, and have I mentioned Peeves! That was so thrilling to see that they included Peeves into the game.
All in all, I believe this to be an exciting journey every fan of the magical world should embark on.