Hooked Gamers

Caromble! is a high-octane, polished evolution of a classic genre. While its insistence on mouse controls might alienate those looking for a casual couch experience on the Steam Deck, the precision it affords is necessary for the complex, puzzle-oriented levels found in the later game. If you're looking for a game that respects the history of Arkanoid while pushing the physics and level design into the modern era, Caromble! is an essential addition to your library. Just remember: avoid the red power-ups, and keep your mouse hand steady.

It's a horror game that isn't scary, an adventure game that isn't exciting, and a narrative-driven game that feels more like a glorified tech demo. There's nothing bad to be found here, but nothing worth writing home over either.

In all Crimson Desert is a fun experience, with engaging combat, a gigantic world to explore, and a ton of side activities that can keep a player playing for hours and hours on end. There are some issues like long loading times, janky camera angles, and a story that struggles to get its footing. If a gamer enjoys Action RPGs, then Crimson Desert very well might be on the list of games to check out, ready to pour ages into exploring, fighting, and finding things to do.

While it lacks a big budget, Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! is a great game in its own right that is both newcomer friendly, and does a great job of respecting the source material and then some. Given that it is a budget title, I'm really surprised at how much detail and effort went into Ultimate Bug War. It could have just been an easy cash grab, but thankfully that is not the case.

Project Songbird gives up a must-see story, for anyone who wants to understand the negatives of the creative process, or who can relate, with or without Dakota's level of tangible fame. Just because the game initiates a dialogue about creating against expectations doesn't mean it needs to be given credit for doing so when the end result just simply doesn't work, though. Both the actual combat and the stealth options lack satisfaction, and look much worse in contrast to the rest. In hindsight, while the ambition was clearly there, the stripped back version would have been better, and still would have had enough for a complete experience.

Screamer is a compelling purchase for any racing fan looking to trade technical simulations for pure, stylish speed. Its unique twin-stick drifting mechanics offer a refreshing challenge for those tired of standard controls, while the sheer variety provided by the 32 tracks and character-specific abilities keeps the gameplay from feeling repetitive. With its vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic, a pulse-pounding electronic rock soundtrack, and a wealth of game modes that cater to both solo and social players, it delivers a high-value package that captures the best of the arcade racing spirit.

I hate to say it because there is a good deal of potential in the The Saint, and its obvious that the solo developer has put a great deal of effort into it's spooky atmosphere, but it is not worth playing in its current state.

Ready or Not: Boiling Point is a blast to experience. While there are a few minor gameplay complaints to be had, this newest paid expansion makes a strong comeback for the game compared to its predecessor. Priced at only $9.99, Boiling Point offers pretty good value for both new and existing players. Hopefully the next DLC meets, and hopefully even surpasses, the standard set here by Boiling Point.

Visually, the game opts for personality over photo-realism. It features a bright, colorful, almost cartoon-like aesthetic. The cars themselves have a distinct Micro Machines vibe—slightly stylized, chunky, and full of character. This art style complements the "arcade" feel perfectly, making the whole experience feel like a celebratory toy-box version of professional racing rather than a grey, clinical simulation. iRacing Arcade succeeds because it understands that you don't need to be a mechanic to love racing. It captures the thrill of the chase and the strategy of the pit lane while keeping the barrier to entry low. It is accessible, vibrant, and surprisingly deep where it counts. If you love the idea of the Grand Prix but find "sim-racers" too cold and complex, this is the driver's seat you’ve been looking for.

While it may not win any awards in my book, Monster Hunter Stories 3 is a fun way to pass time, and a great game for newcomers to the JRPG genre. The turn based combat mechanics are solid, and there is a lot to unlock. The story and characters are fun to watch and exploring the environments is never boring. Here’s hoping that Capcom can refine this formula, and truly bring their A game with the next instalment.