Highway Police Simulator Xbox Series X Review 2/10 "It’s time to arrest this series" 🚨🚔 @AerosoftGmbH #IndieGame #GameDev

I first caught wind of Aerosoft back in 2020 when I covered Autobahn Police Simulator 2, it was a game that I rated 4.5/10 but with a huge caveat in that, whilst the game had very intense technical problems, there was a charm and ideology that kept me playing for a long time, and the approach, atmosphere, music, and deeply idiosyncratic charm kept me coming back for more. 

It was my ‘go to’ example for a game that had admittedly overreached, but had heart and promise. Fast forward to 2022, and the sequel was released, which threw a load of new ideas and gameplay mechanics at the wall, but failed incredibly to deal with the basic, fundamental issues that the prequel had. As mentioned, this is the game that I bring up in terms of conversations regarding golden ideas that outreach their grasp. 

8 Bit Do Retro Mechanical Keyboard Unboxing & Setup ⌨️🕹️ @8BitDo

The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a blend of nostalgia and modern functionality Inspired by the classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Famicom.

Design and Features
Available in two versions, the "N Edition" (NES-inspired) and the "Fami Edition" (Famicom-inspired), the keyboard features a retro colour schemes and design elements that evoke the look of these iconic consoles.

The keyboard is of a sturdy build and high-quality materials, including dye-sublimated PBT plastic keycaps.

It uses Kailh Box White V2 mechanical switches, which are clicky and provide a satisfying typing experience.

The keyboard supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB wired connections, making it versatile for different setups.

It comes with customizable super buttons that can be programmed for various functions, adding a unique touch to the keyboard.

Westild’s Law Nintendo Switch Review 8/10 "How the west was won and where it got us" 🤠 @BUG_Studio #IndieGame #GameDev

Westerns and gaming go together like bourbon and gherkin juice – perfectly well. The rootin’-tootin’ wild west is ripe for gun play, gals n’ galoshes, so whenever a Western-themed title tips its hat at me as it mosies on into the saloon, I’m more than happy to challenge it to a duel at high noon.

Priced extremely fairly, Westild’s law is a top-down shooter that casts you in the role of a male or female bounty hunter (the gender can be changed at any time) as they take on bounties from the Westild town sheriff, all the while upgrading their abilities, guns, and skills.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake is coming to Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in Spring 2025! 🪦🧟‍♂️@ForeverEntert

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2: Remake is a remake of the second entry in the well-known and popular rail-shooter series. Take on the lone role of a secret agent as James or Gary, or team up in co-op mode to neutralize the dangerous undead monsters standing in your way.

Story:
In February 2000, a small city was suddenly overrun by hostile creatures. Two AMS agents, James Taylor and Gary Stewart, were sent to investigate. Upon arrival, they noticed that the situation resembled the Curien Mansion incident from 1998. Determined to uncover the source of the infestation, they began shooting their way through hordes of creatures.

Game Features:

• Remastered music (with the classic soundtrack also available in the game)
• Modern graphics
• Gameplay faithful to the original game
• Co-op mode
• Multiple endings and branching levels

Various Game Modes:

• Classic Campaign: Almost two years after the events of the first installment, AMS agents James Taylor and Gary Stewart are deployed to investigate a city seized by undead creatures.
• Boss Mode: Take on the challenge of defeating the game’s bosses as fast as you can. 
• Training Mode: Polish your skills in several available training scenarios to improve your abilities before deploying on a mission.

Platforms: 

Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X

Steam:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3376690/THE_HOUSE_OF_THE_DEAD_2_Remake/

GOG:

https://www.gog.com/en/game/the_house_of_the_dead_2_remake

PlayStation:

https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10011599

The Plucky Squire Xbox Series X Review 9.5/10 "Is gaming art? Who cares? it can however, be truly magical" ⚔️🔖🏹 @devolverdigital @apossf @JamesTurner_42 @onebitbeyond

I remember seeing an initial reveal trailer for The Plucky Squire a few years ago, and the central conceit that the protagonist - Jot - could leap forth from the confines of the book in which he is a main character instantly appealed to me.

The blending of the illustrated 2D cartoon world in which he resides with the ‘real’ 3D world opens up myriad gameplay possibilities, and really caught my eye. Fast forward to the tail-end of 2024 – to a situation whereby I have the opportunity to play the Plucky Squire with my three-year old son - and the act of playing the game becomes a family-bonding, transformative experience.

Sugoroku Casino Party Nintendo Switch Review 8.5/10 "An Unexpected Gem!" 🎲🃏 @SAT_BOX_EN @SAT_BOX_2011 #GameDev #IndieGame

When I first caught wind of Sugoroku Casino Party, I wasn’t really sure what to expect beyond what appeared to be a digital version of a casino-based board game scenario. Luckily, the game turned out to be awesome fun that drew us in as a family over the Christmas period with its simple premise and accessible – yet addictive – games.

A game for up to six players, Sugoroku Casino Party is a bright and vibrant digital board game set in a casino world. There are quite a few options to get your setup just right, such as number of players, bots, length of the games themselves – with a save mechanic - and the chance to tackle each mini-game separately if you so wish. You can also lightly customise your in-game avatar with uniforms and colours to add some personality to your little plain board game piece.

Unwording Xbox Series X Review 8.5/10 "A word-based puzzle game with an emotional core" 🧠 @frostwood_int #IndieGame #GameDev

Word-based puzzlers are big hits in our household here at the Welsh branch of The Mighty GF, and so I always get a mite excited when one pops up on our radar. What makes Unwording a little different is the mental health focused aspect of the narrative, as described by the developer:

Unwording is a short but powerful exploration of overcoming negative self-talk. Solve word puzzles, explore the neighbourhood through multiple perspectives, and help Tom have a better day through a challenging yet cathartic experience.

Flint: Treasure of Oblivion XBOX Series X Review 6.5/10 "A voyage with a touch of seasickness" 🏴‍☠️🦜 @PlayFlintGame @_SavageLevel_ #IndieGame #GameDev

A game that presents itself fantastically in some ways, but fumbles the bottle of rum over the side of the vessel in too many others to make it completely smooth sailing.

Flint: Treasure of Oblivion has an opening segment that certainly grabs your attention, as the game opens on a raft adrift in the ocean and we are introduced to Captain Flint and his hulking second in command, Billy Bones. They’ve clearly been at sea for a while with no food or water, and Flint finally loses his mind and decides he has no recourse other than to devour his best friend. 

It’s a fun and novel way to introduce the basic mechanics of the game as you chase your erstwhile companion all over the tiny raft. Luckily for all involved, in the midst of this debacle a ship sees the duo and takes them aboard…

Britt's Video Games of the Year 2024 "Favourites from 2024 and some rediscovered titles from years prior" 🗓️🎮 #GOTY

I feel like 2024 has been quite a personally interesting year when it comes to gaming. As my son is now almost four, I’m able to play games with him – sometimes co-op but mostly sharing a controller and helping each other out (he genuinely solved a puzzle that I was stuck on in Dungeons of Hinterberg), and whilst I’ve tried to introduce him to as many - suitable – games as possible, it’s been fun seeing which games catch his attention, so some of those I’ll be mentioning below.

Whilst I’ll be highlighting favourites from 2024, there’ll also be some rediscovered titles from years prior.

Europa Nintendo Switch Review 6.5/10 "Its visuals, charm and story do enough to lift it above average" 🌏 @EuropaGame #IndieGame #GameDev

Having seen the trailer and played the game, I can tell you right now that it's not possible to review Europa without mentioning Breath of the Wild, so I won't try. This game, like the aforementioned (Linked, you might say) Nintendo smash, is an open-worldy, puzzley platformer. 

The game has you play Zee, an android, as you explore the breath-taking views of the eponymous moon of Jupiter. You're guided through the journey by the voice of your deceased creator/father, who speaks to you through his journal, pages of which you gather as you progress.

Breath Of Death VII The Beginning Reanimated PC Gameplay 💀 @ShadowLayerDev #IndieGame #GameDev

Breath of Death VII: The Beginning: Reanimated is a delightful homage to classic RPGs, blending humour and nostalgia. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans are extinct, players follow Dem, a mute skeleton, and his quirky companions on a quest to restore the past. The game shines with its witty writing, fourth-wall-breaking humour, and engaging turn-based combat. The updated graphics and soundtrack enhance the experience, making it a must-play for fans of retro RPGs. Despite its short length, the game offers a fulfilling adventure filled with charm and clever references.

Detective: The Motel Xbox Series X Review 4.5/10 "A Motel That Could Use a Lick of Paint" 🔎🏨 #GameDev #IndieGame @K148_GS @JanduSoft

A game made by a solo developer, Detective: The Motel puts you in the well-trodden shoes of a detective that has arrived at a roadside motel to solve a murder. In order to complete your investigation, you are given a task sheet that lists 15 points that must be solved in order to close the case. 

You must discover key points such as the murderer, the victim, who the other tenants of the motel are, as well as which rooms in which they dwell. My initial thoughts were positive, yes the game felt very ‘asset-y’, there was minimal music (aside from the menu music which was reminiscent of Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy – good), and it was all set in a small building – but these are to be expected when a game is made on such a small budget, and these limitations can result in extremely tight, potent gameplay and narrative.

The First time I played Sonic the Hedgehog | Video Gaming Memories by Imraan Nazir 🎮 🧞 #RetroGaming #SuperNintendo

It was in the 90s when I first played Sonic The Hedgehog on the Sega Master System. I remember looking at the cover and thinking this must be a cool game. On the cover it had this cool looking blue hedgehog with red and white shoes and what looked like a bit of Green Hill Zone in the background. At the back of the cover it had screenshots of the game. I could not wait to play it. At this time Sonic was the new mascot for Sega. When I switched it on I heard the title screen intro and it sounded awesome.

How Gaming Communities Are Evolving: A Shift from Casual to Competitive 💫

 

A person is playing a video game on a cell phone photo – Free Games Image on Unsplash

As technology advances, gaming experiences that once appealed to only a niche group are now accessible to millions. 

With different genres such as casual gaming, video gaming, and online casino gaming, the lines between types of play have begun to blur, creating a more interconnected and dynamic gaming culture. This shift in how we engage with games and other players is reshaping the landscape of gaming communities, moving from light-hearted experiences to intense, competition-driven environments.