Pure Nintendo

Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 10 delivers a solid (state) collection of tables for pinball aficionados. With two being available for the first time in emulation, digital pinball enthusiasts will definitely want to add this grouping to their parlor.

With some improvements, Lumen Tale: Memories of Trey could be a stellar game. As it stands, it falls in the good but not great area. Pokémon fans may find it’s arguably worth the price tag, but the battle and capture mechanics fetter the fun.

Overall, Mina the Hollower is a well-designed, retro-inspired game. It demonstrates that Yacht Club Games is about more than just Shovel Knight. It looks more like Zelda than it actually plays, making it a tough outing. Plus, there’s no map (by default). However, the exploration, lore, graphics, and soundtrack make this a fun journey nonetheless. It’ll be interesting to see what’s next for the team, though I imagine that’s a long way off.

As the name implies, Smalland: Survive the Wilds, is all about survival. Set in a compelling environment that rewards exploration and tenacity, its gameplay loop will keep crafters and builders quite busy. However, with no notable narrative, it really requires a consistent co-op team to fully flourish.

Decollate Decoration combines intense but subtle storytelling with creepy imagery that gets increasingly scarier the longer you play. Those looking for something short and easy, but also well crafted and thought out, will enjoy this narrative adventure. But even with multiple endings, this journey to the afterlife is very short.

Quartet is delightful, with wonderfully designed characters, superb graphics and audio, and retro stylings reminiscent of the glory days of the ‘90s. Fans of turn-based, top-down JRPGs should definitely check out Quartet.

The enthusiasm and talent of the Blue Backpack team shine through from beginning to end in Constance. Eccentricities and all, this fluid action-adventure comes highly recommended. I had a blast beating the game and pushing as close to 100% completion as possible; there is simply so much to discover here. I’m excited to see what’s next (DLC) from the studio—their prior work, Trüberbrook, is also worth a look. A different type of game entirely, but one with quirky charm too.

Drill Core is a good-looking game with a relatively unique combination of tower defense and resource management gameplay. It gives players plenty to work with once they’re on the job, but unfriendly onboarding and clunky controls will prevent some from getting there.

Tears Revolude covers the RPG essentials, checking all the boxes and even throwing in a few unique wrinkles, but without elevating itself next to its eShop peers. The ease of the proceedings, combined with the brisker pace, makes the characters and, by extension, the entire game a bit forgettable. But even if it won’t stay with you, you certainly won’t regret grabbing Tears Revolude at a discount. It’s still a solidly enjoyable game that’ll hold your interest.

Collector’s Cove is the ultimate cozy game where you can sink hours into with its adorable chill vibes. However, the game might get repetitive after a little while.