Recent reviews by excal

Fans of the series will settle in quickly, and anyone who enjoys turn-based tactics will feel right at home. Familiar mechanics like overwatch and holding defensive positions remain intact, but it is the additional layers built on top of these foundations that allow Jagged Alliance 3 to truly shine. It delivers the exact kind of one-more-turn experience many players have been waiting for. The game challenged me in all the right ways through planning, leadership, and patience. Even with its flaws, I wanted to follow the campaign from the first encounter to the final moments, and the journey felt worthwhile. In short, Jagged Alliance has made a real return.

Fun.

In Other Waters unfolds its mysteries with impressive control, revealing information at a steady pace that feels organic rather than forced. As you uncover the truth behind Vas' partner and begin to understand the broader human struggle, the narrative rises toward a confident and satisfying conclusion while still leaving certain questions open in an appealing way. The story reflects the same restraint found throughout the entire experience, resulting in a stylish, confident, and deeply absorbing adventure that consistently proves how much can be achieved with a minimalistic approach.

Ikenfell is a straightforward RPG on the surface, but it surprises with a touching story, character growth that feels natural, and a solid battle system. It may not be a groundbreaking adventure, yet it delivers a warm, engaging experience that is easy to appreciate.

Hotshot Racing nails the spirit of classic arcade racers and feels like a genuine blast from the past. It offers fast action, simple and inviting controls, and an upbeat style that makes it easy for anyone to jump in and enjoy. Most importantly, it is simply a joy to play from start to finish.

High On Life delivers a strong foundation in its shooting mechanics, offering fast and energetic movement that pairs well with its distinct arsenal. The variety of weapons keeps encounters engaging, and each gun having its own personality adds a fun narrative twist. The real standout is the writing, which leans fully into absurd humor while still presenting a surprisingly engaging story. If you enjoy Justin Roiland’s comedic style, you will find plenty to love here.

No.

Bulb Boy is not the sort of game that will stay with you forever. It is short and can be completed fairly quickly, yet its puzzles are well crafted and its offbeat humor gives it a distinct personality. It is clearly made with care and succeeds in making horror feel cute and playful rather than grim. Bulb Boy is not groundbreaking and it never aims to be, but its charm lies in its characters, chaotic energy, and unapologetic toilet humor. It is an odd little adventure that is absolutely worth experiencing.

Fun.

Heretic's Fork takes familiar mechanics and combines them into a refreshingly addictive experience. This unique deckbuilding twist weaves a clever layer over a standard tower defense setup, all wrapped in humor and a striking visual style. It’s a standout indie title that will keep players engaged for hours.