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Blasphemous II will go down as an icon of its genre, attracting fans of Metroidvanias, Soulslike games, and newcomers alike. Its dark world is wholly unique and is gorgeously presented with the best pixel art I’ve ever seen. The talent, passion, and creativity that went into this title elevate it far above even its most frustrating moments, making a game that captures your attention and keeps you engaged even in its toughest fights.

CLeM is a brilliant little puzzle game, filled with a constantly eerie vibe that pairs well with its cute, innocent art style. This cartoon world hides a deeper darkness, and to find it, you’ll have to solve clever puzzles and learn all you can about the fate of the family that came before.

Ereban: Shadow Legacy is an excellent story wrapped in a clever platforming stealth game. Fans of the stealth genre or those just looking for a great story are sure to enjoy melding into the shadows and parkouring their way through this wonderfully put-together and presented world.

Friends vs Friends is a solid multiplayer shooter with a ton of style with a focus on casual pvp. Casual players as well as sweats should find plenty to enjoy in this funky deck building shooter.

Overall, Hunt the Night is a beautiful game with simple yet engaging gameplay that fans of 16-bit action games like Castlevania will enjoy. Although the story is poorly presented at times, it is still interesting, and the world around you is crafted well enough to suck you in even if you have no idea what’s going on. With its stunning visuals, challenging difficulty, and love for classic action games, Hunt the Night is definitely worth a playthrough.

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara is a fantastic platformer that will captivate audiences of all ages with its engaging gameplay and nostalgic charm. Whether players choose to embark on a leisurely journey or seek out thrilling challenges, this game caters to both casual gamers and avid speedrunners. With its optional difficulty settings and intricately designed levels, Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara provides an immersive experience that keeps players hooked from start to finish. As a loving tribute to classic platformers, this game pays homage to the genre’s rich history while adding its own unique twists and surprises. Undoubtedly, Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara will be hailed as a remarkable title that leaves a lasting impression in the hearts of platformer enthusiasts worldwide.

Scrap Riders is an interesting game, with fantastic visuals and sound design and a unique take on the beat-em-up genre. However it isn’t without its flaws, and the lack of confidence in its own identity really weighs down the experience. Hopefully Games For Tutti learns from the experience, because I would definitely like to see an improved sequel.

Summum Aeterna is a game with charm, even if it is a bit rough around the edges. At worst, the game’s roguelike and Metroidvania aspects feel like they clash, and at best, it feels like it was designed for a caliber of player better than me. Criticisms notwithstanding, Summum Aeterna is still a game worth checking out if it interests you, and my experience might not necessarily reflect yours.

There were many moments in The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood that had me audibly react, be that cheering in support or laughing at vengeance enacted perfectly. The freedom to create and see the future of those who rely on you feels like the pure power that it is, but the weight and consequences will weigh on you after the credits roll. As with previous Deconstructeam games, the appeal is more in the mechanics and narrative than the visuals.

The Creepy Syndrome is an ambitious little game, plagued by amateurish writing and cheap jump scares that at best won’t satisfy horror fans and at worse will annoy them. Half of the game’s anthology of stories is held back by the other, and the two decent stories aren’t strong enough to make up for the weaker ones.

The Fabulous Fear Machine is a phenomenal narrative-driven strategy game that should hook you on its stories and keep you interested with its brain-stimulating gameplay. The phenomenal art compliments every aspect of the game, from its uniquely presented levels to its fantastic writing. Give into your desire for power and spread a little fear with this rare and fantastic title.

This tale of macabre memories shouldn’t take you too long to complete, and will challenge you with stimulating mirror-movement puzzles throughout. It is safe to say that Ugly more than lives up to 2023’s standard of excellent game releases.