Checkpoint Gaming

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is perhaps not as good as it could have been, but that doesn't stop it from being a very satisfying time. Elliot and Faie make for fun protagonists, and the game's combat, magic and upgrade systems are deep and enjoyable. Although I would have enjoyed more puzzles and varied world maps, I had a great time with what the game gave me. If you like gorgeous action RPGs, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales has a lot to offer, and you'll be sure to have a fantastic escapade.

Schrodinger’s Call is a wonderful surprise, a story full of emotion that is told so beautifully through its writing, art and soundtrack. It beautifully captures feelings of grief, loneliness and envy in such an empathetic and heartfelt way and proves that joy can still be found, even in the 21 nanoseconds before the world ends for good.

Solarpunk is just okay. Graphically, it’s quite charming in its approach, along with good sound design. But there are still a lot of problems that could’ve been worked out if it had taken longer to develop. Issues regarding UI where inventory doesn’t show, or acts as if it’s full when it’s not and a tutorial that explains mechanics found in similar games, but doesn’t explain the mechanics that are specific to this one. While there are moments of an interesting title, like the use of renewable energy as a power source over finite energy, it just feels pretty aimless, and some QOL upgrades found in similar titles could’ve been used in this one. Hopefully, with more updates, Solarpunk can be the solarpunk genre game worth playing.

I can say with complete confidence that if you have a Switch, this feels like it will be a must-have for the console. It’s so accessible; being so easy to play, it’s great as a solo or party game, and it’s a great entry point for newcomers to the series, running great both on the original Switch and the Switch 2. [Hands-On Impressions]

If you like adventure games with a large helping of puzzles and fourth-wall-breaking humour, Crushed In Time delivers in spades. The oddly limited control scheme unfortunately frustrates more than it aids. However, if you can look past that, Crushed In Time has a good amount to recommend for point-and-click adventure game fans.

Overall, Momento is short and sweet and a great way to pass the time. While it isn’t traditionally story-driven, it’s the type of game where narrative threads can be discovered and pieced together. What you will find is a beautiful experience that is unforgettable. The sound design is fantastic, and sometimes specific ambient noises like the warbling of a magpie can instil some lovely nostalgia. There are references and Easter eggs found throughout, which makes it fun when you notice what it’s alluding to. Fat Alien Cat and Nomo Studio outdid themselves with the amazing graphics and the room variations, with only a couple of areas for improvement.

Swan Song is a charming game of interlocking narrative vision, puzzle design and presentation. While the former two pieces contain some shortcomings through a lack of difficulty, abstraction and too much familiarity, this is still a touching and neatly designed ludic exploration of death, grief and what we might leave behind in both our final moments and throughout life itself.

Overall, the question I wanted to find an answer for going into this hands-on preview was: Is Star Fox worth getting as a newcomer or fan of the series? The answer is… complicated. For fans, this game has already been remade once, and it’s a tough sell at full price. What I will say is if you’re here for the plot and characters, or if you have a few mates to jump into game chat and play with, I think you will have a blast, and this game is for you. [Hands-On Impressions]

Rose and Locket is a stunning gunslinging trip through the underwest that combines graphic novel affordances with the animation and art direction of Tartakovsky. Its interactive panels crackle with ingenuity and flair and, putting aside some holes in its quickfire combat, make for a graphical pleasure of a playthrough.

Blueberry is an experience that made me think about my own road to recovery, and how seeking help completely changed my life for the better. I love the constant symbolism throughout that hints at bigger issues, but lets the player decide for themselves what their implications are. Blueberry very much advocates for people to seek help if they are suffering with their past, and it’s admirable how they depict the journey as one that isn’t linear, isn’t easy and is unique to every single person. The one big issue I had with the game is the lack of reflection once the game has finished. Your choices matter, and I believe the majority of players would benefit from an explanation after the credits roll. Blueberry is a game for anyone who has, is, or wants to embark on a mental health journey through their trauma. The journey won’t be easy, but trust someone who has been there – it will transform your life.