11 Feb 2025
Keep Driving PC Review 7.5/10 "The Crazy Gas Fuelled Adventures Of A Sedan!" ๐ @YCJYgames #IndieGame #GameDev
You play as a young driver who has just bought their first car around the early 2000s, and your main goal is to meet up with your friend at a music festival on the other side of the country within four weeks. Interestingly, the game features a procedurally generated world with various routes, 'shopping' stops and random encounters along the way.
10 Feb 2025
"Games of a Lifetime" by Jaz Rignall > Book Review By Rich ๐๐ @JazRignall @bitmap_books
Growing up in the '80s and '90s and reading various video game magazines from the period meant that Jaz Rignall has always been a hero of mine.
My first experience of Jaz's brand of video game journalism came through the much-thumbed pages of the Mean Machines monthly video game magazine in the early '90s. I remember my first purchase of Mean Machines magazine vividly. I bought Issue 7 of Mean Machines from local Happy Shopper branded newsagents with The Simpsons, complete with Homer strangling Bart, on the front cover as the headline stars of that month's magazine.
Whilst reading the magazine from cover to cover I remember feeling like I had just become a part of a cool club of video games-loving pals. Jaz's writing and the rest of the Mean Machines staff writing (including Richard Leadbetter from Digital Foundry fame for example) was perfectly in sync with its audience.
You knew you could trust the reviews from Mean Machines as they knew their onions and Jaz and the gang were independent. In a future issue, there would be a cover giveaway of a miniature Jaz Figure which I cherished for many years and in some ways added to Jaz's legendary status in my own video gaming world.
It's now 2025 and Jaz has put virtual pen to paper to chronicle his lifetime in gaming by writing this wonderful book called "Games of a Lifetime" by Jaz Rignall.
4 Feb 2025
Eternal strands Ten Minute Taster "Who's Pulling The Strings?" ๐งต @YellowBrick_Qc #IndieGame #GameDev #EternalStrands
Rich plays Eternal Strands which is an action-adventure game developed and published by Yellow Brick Games. The game released on January 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
Britt reviewed it here ๐7.5/10
๐ https://www.gamesfreezer.co.uk/2025/01/eternal-strands-xbox-series-x-review.html
In the game, players control Brynn, a warrior on a quest to uncover the secrets of a long-lost civilization known as the Enclave. Brynn has the ability to manipulate elements and temperature using a magical cloak, which can be used to freeze or burn enemies, as well as alter the game's environment. The game features a third-person perspective and includes telekinetic powers that allow Brynn to perform feats such as hurling objects at enemies and constructing bridges using ice. Players will encounter nine distinct bosses throughout the game, each requiring unique strategies to defeat. Upon defeating a boss, players are rewarded with new magical abilities that can be used for exploration or combat. The game draws inspiration from titles like Shadow of the Colossus, Dragon's Dogma, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The development team aimed to create a game that makes players feel like a "fantasy superhero" with its physics-based combat system.3 Feb 2025
Under Defeat Nintendo Switch Review 7/10 "Get To The Chopper!" ๐๐ฅ @clearrivergames @claricedisc #RetroGaming
I've always been a sucker for helicopter video games. I love SWIV and I love Desert Strike and the Strike series of games.
Under Defeat is a classic helicopter based arcade shoot 'em up that has been given a new life on the Nintendo Switch. It was originally released in the arcades during2005 and has now been brought to the Switch by Clear River Games and City Connection. The idea here as ever is to bring both nostalgia and some modern enhancements for fans of the shmup genre.
Under Defeat is set in an alternate World War II era, where players take control of a helicopter pilot fighting against various enemy forces. The game features a unique shot-tilting angled mechanic that allows players to attack enemies from various different angles. As with most games in the SHMUP genre, the story is minimal and focuses more on the intense action, bullet dodging and strategic gameplay rather than a deep narratives and characters.
31 Jan 2025
My First Hour With Steamworld Heist 2 On PC ๐๐ค @SteamWorldGames #IndieGames #GameDev
@thegamesfreezer Steamworld Heist 2 Gameplay And First Impressions #lurkit #steamworldheist #indiegames #indiegame #indiegamedev #pcgaming #pcgames #thunderfulgames @thunderfulgames ♬ original sound - ❄️ Games Freezer ❄️
I first played Steamworld Heist on my Nintendo Switch last year and was instantly hooked! (although i nearly threw my switch out of the window on the last boss as it was MEGA hard and it made me feel like I was rubbish! (maybe I was)
SteamWorld Heist 2 is a deserved sequel to a great game and builds upon the unique style and tactical depth of the original instalment which is sure to please anyone who liked the original Heist game.
30 Jan 2025
Keep Driving PC Gameplay "Those Pesky Road Sheep!" ๐๐ #IndieGame #GameDev
As you travel, you'll manage essential resources like food and repair supplies, meet hitchhikers with unique stories, and face various roadblocks that require problem-solving using a light combat system. The game emphasizes storytelling through the journey itself, offering an immersive experience rather than traditional RPG mechanics.
27 Jan 2025
Dynasty Warriors: Origins PS5 Review 8.5/10 "Battle Grows Where My Wanderlay Goes" ๐ช⚔️ @koeitecmoeurope @s_sangokumusou
26 Jan 2025
Rich's Video Games of the Year | "2024 was a year that surprised me month by month" ๐️๐ฎ #GOTY
Sitting down to compile my GOTY list has been a pleasure and today I'd love to share it with you to see if there’s any gems in here (alongside a classic) that I can tempt you to try.
Dragon's Dogma 2 - The Organised Chaos RPG Award ๐
Tetris Forever - The Legend Of Henk & Alexey Award ๐
I was drawn to this Digital Eclipse Gold Master release due to the fact that TETRIS is truly one of purest video games ever conceived and I was really interested to look at all the different releases across the years. When I began to dig into this TETRIS opus I was blown away by the story of Henk Rogers and Alexey Pajitnov and the interactive documentary became a must read/listen/watch page turner of a ‘game’. I love this series and I love TETRIS forever.
Drova Forsaken Kin - The Cilla Black Surprise Award ๐
This game completely blind sided me and turned out to be one of the best video games of 2024. It’s an RPG that is steeped in a love for the genre and has that retro feel to it that takes you back to the classic RPGs where you are discovering a world and an IP for the first time. It’s a marvel of a video game made by a small team and I implore everyone to play this game today.
Indiana Jones - The Late In the Day Award ๐
Indy films are my jam. I grew up watching them and punctuated my youth with visits to the cinema to watch them as soon as they were released. As the years have worn on I've lost the passion for the films since Crystal Skull and as far as Indiana Jones video games go, I'd settled for the fact that Uncharted was going to be the best effort since the beautiful Lucas Arts point and clicks. I therefore watched from afar as Machine Games prepared the Indiana Jones And The Great Circle video game but I was never really hyped by anything I'd seen pre release. I managed to get my hands on a copy upon release to check out what the latest offering would be like and WOW, just WOW! The game oozes class, the performances in the game are awesome. The puzzles are pitch perfect, the combat is so ‘Indy’ that I am relieved they didn’t just create a first person shooter/murder machine of a game. The game and the environments just feel alive and the locations are big enough to get lost in but never outstay their welcome. It only came out in early December but my word it grabbed the hat from underneath the falling stone door to give us the real next Indiana Jones movie!
GTAIV - The Best Game Of 2008 In 2024 Award ๐
Somehow I had only managed to play up until GTAIII up until late 2024. The announcement of GTAVI had really peaked my interest in the franchise again and I picked up GTAIV on a Steam Sale price of about five pounds. I dropped it onto my Steam Deck and I was transported back to 2008 and was really surprised at how well it held up in 2024. The story swept me up into the world of Niko Bellic and I found myself becoming a resident of Resident Of Liberty City and getting caught up in all of its politics and personalities.
Stalker 2 - The Great Allure Of Radioactive Jank Award ๐
Tiny Terrys Turbo Trip - The Keep Me Busy Award ๐
Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom - The Simple Pleasures Award ๐
Astrobot - The Pure Joy Award ๐
Ye Olde Honourable Mentions...
Indika - The Best Nun Sim Award ๐
Children of the Sun - The Psychadelic Bullet Cult Award๐
22 Jan 2025
ALL WILL FALL PC Gameplay "Sometimes I Struggle With The Stairs" ๐๐️ @AllWillFallGame #IndieGame #GameDev
STEAM LINK ๐ https://store.steampowered.com/app/2706020/ALL_WILL_FALL_PhysicsBased_Survival_City_Builder/
21 Jan 2025
Lonely Mountains Snow Riders Has Now Been released On PC and It's GREAT! ⛷️๐️ @LonelyMnts #IndieGame #GameDev
@thegamesfreezer Lonely Mountains Snow Riders PC Gameplay ⛷️๐️ #indiegamedev #indiegames #indiegame #skiing #lonelymountainsdownhill @lonelymnts ♬ original sound - ❄️ Games Freezer ❄️
"Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders" is the latest installment from Megagon Industries, following the success of "Lonely Mountains: Downhill." This game takes you on a thrilling skiing adventure through breathtaking mountain landscapes.
17 Jan 2025
The Spirit Of The Samurai PC Gameplay 'Takeshi's Castle' ๐๐๐ @samuraisgame #IndieGame #GameDev
15 Jan 2025
Awaken Astral Blade PC Gameplay "Christmas Tree O' Christmas Tree" ๐⚔️ @AwakenBlade #IndieGame #GameDev
Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) PC Gameplay "Get Off My Land!" ๐ฒ๐ช @TwoFalls #IndieGame #GameDev
7 Jan 2025
Breath Of Death VII The Beginning Reanimated PC Gameplay ๐ @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.
17 Dec 2024
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle | PC Gameplay | "BEWARE OF THE DOGS!" ⚱️๐บ๐ฟ #IndianaJonesandTheGreatCircle
Rich dons his fedora and packs the whip into his waistband as he decides to take on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on the PC.
In this Ten Minute Taster Rich takes on the Fieldwork mission of Rescuing Sidney from the clutches of the "Blackshirts" in The Vatican...BEWARE OF THE DOGS!
13 Dec 2024
Neo Harbor Rescue Squad PS5 Gameplay "Saving Lives With Mini Games" ๐ฌ๐ @bancyco #IndieGame #GameDev
10 Dec 2024
Tetris Forever PC Review 8/10 "The Story Is the Star" ๐ฃ @DigitalEclipse #Retrogaming
My Tetris is Nintendo Game Boy era Tetris. Once you had that chunky Game Boy in your hand and a copy of Tetris inserted into the back of that pocket gem it meant that was all you were going to play for the next 6 months until the kid at school who had 15 game carts was able to lend you another game to play on your Game Boy.
Tetris Forever fills in the gaps of what came before Nintendo's 1989 Tetris and also what came after. During this wonderful character led journey Digital Eclipse prove once again that they are the masters of the interactive video game documentary.
9 Dec 2024
Drova - Forsaken Kin PC Gameplay "An Indie RPG GOTY Contender!" ๐⚔️ @J2D_Interactive #IndieGame #GameDev
4 Dec 2024
BZZZT! Nintendo Switch Review 9/10 "A Perfect Potion of Platforming Perfection" ๐ค๐ฅช @ko_dll #IndieGame #GameDev
The people who make the best platform games are the people that know the genre inside out from playing the classics and having an understanding of what makes a great platformer. What we have here my friends is one of the best indie platform video games that I have ever had the pleasure of playing.
Developed by KO.DLL BZZZT! is truly a love letter to the classics of the genre and also brings its own brand of charm and sauce! Bzzzt offers up a fast-paced, precision platforming experience with the game clearly being designed to be accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the genre with its perfectly pitched variation of difficulty levels.