Tom Grennell
Tom Grennell has been a writer for as long as he has been a gamer, which many would argue has been for too long. A fan of everything from gut-busting comedy to brain-bending puzzles to heart-stopping action to pants-wetting horror, Tom will eagerly devour anything he can get his hands on and get far too invested. He also runs the brand Target Retales, where he recaps daily strange and silly stories from his work as a cashier. For this he has received a moderate level of viral acclaim and has been written about by the likes of Refinery 29, Forbes, Business Insider, and more, although his crowning achievement to date remains a share and a shout-out of approval from George Takei.
A Hat in Time Review
A Hat In Time has grasped the title of the highest-earning 3D indie platformer ever funded on Kickstarter, and it’s no stretch of the imagination to see why. The story, the play, the graphics, everything it has instills in gamers one of the most comforting and thrilling nostalgic experiences in recent game development history. This platformer is itself a perfect modern game, with all of the classic staples players know and love, rather than being just an old game made in the present day; in a world of constant evolution and innovation, few things are as comforting as a nice easy blast from the past.
Solace Crafting Early Access Review
Solace Crafting may have its glitches, but it is still in the very early stages and has incredible amounts of promise already. It makes a place for itself in the genre, giving a minimalistic spin that not many others can match nearly as well. Such a zen game has a lot to offer, not only to the genre but to game libraries everywhere.
Looterkings Goblinball Mode Review
Goblinball makes for a fantastic addition to the Looterkings package. A mischievous execution of a game everyone knows, it boasts fun and exciting characters and enemies in a natural and almost even cozy environment. The experience is perfectly complete in its simplicity, giving players a great way to spend anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, made even better when friends are added into the mix. The best part of Goblinball, however, is the fact that it’s entirely free as long as you’ve already picked up Looterkings, and really, there’s no excuse if you haven’t.
Lust For Darkness Preview
Lust For Darkness, a first-person psychological thriller, combines a duo that few would have ever thought to merge, and even fewer would ever want to see: Cthulu-like horrors and limitless sexual bacchanalia. Developers at Lunar Cult Studios staged an immensely successful Kickstarter, amassing over 500% of their original goal for their game centered around “erotic and occult themes.” Taking clear inspirations from Amnesia: The Dark Descent and amateur pornography, the pre-release demo for Lust For Darkness is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, a video game.
Echo Review
Echo proves that innovation can truly be limitless as long as there are people willing to push boundaries and explore new ideas. With a stunningly flawless trifecta of gameplay, storyline, and visuals, Ultra Ultra has knocked it out of the park with their first foray into indie gaming. Regardless of your tastes, styles, or interests, this adventure is sure to satisfy nearly all of your cravings. The only craving that you will be left with is for more and more game to play.
Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite Review
Regardless of the complaints, Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite proves to earn its place in the powerful series laid out before it. Furthermore, the genre of 2D fighters is a very familiar concept, with a rich history and a dense family of games taking after it. Often, these games can seem too generic to stand out or to feel worthy of any time given, but conversely, many of these games try too hard to make something of themselves, and result in a game far too complex and clunky to be enjoyed in any way. Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite, however, treads this line perfectly and offers an engaging experience born out of a classic style.
Prime Arena Preview
Prime Arena as it stands today is a fantastic taste of what a game it truly could be. It has stunning potential if it can fully deliver on the brilliant concept, but for now, it is falling short. That being said, it is only in alpha testing stages still, and the developers are very active in seeking out feedback from their community to better the game. In the period of time it has taken to write this review, strong changes have already been seen, improving the game drastically in real time. Prime Arena may only be in its early stages, but it is constantly evolving, and is more than worth keeping an eye on.
A Robot Named Fight! Review
A Robot Named Fight truly makes a name for itself with everything it does. While not an overly plot-driven title, the story behind it all is a fascinating and fun take on a classic, which is then delivered in such a beautifully retro vessel that it is hard to believe you are playing it on a PC in your own room and not a coin-operated console at your local penny arcade. A Robot Named Fight is fast fun, a perfect way to spend five minutes or an hour and a half, and a perfect staple for anyone’s gaming library.
Another Lost Phone: Laura's Story Review
Another Lost Phone is truly a masterpiece in its kind, setting a bar in both creativity and meaning that will be hard for future installments in the genre to match. In addition to being one of the most innovative vehicles for a puzzle-based story to be released in a long time, the story is immensely engaging from the moment you unlock the phone. Accidental Queens have now issued a challenge to game designers everywhere: use your art to tell stories that need to be told.