Tap Wizard 2 Xbox Series X Review 6.5/10 "Tap Wizard 2 Didn’t quite manage to cast its spell on me" 🧙‍♂️💥🧙 @Top_Cog #IndieGame #GameDev

The trailer for Tap Wizard 2 struck me as a game akin to Vampire Survivors, and as I’d wet my whistle on that particular genre during my end of year Switch mini-review round-up, I quite fancied another game with the same flavour. Digging deeper into Tap Wizard 2 reveals that it is actually an ‘idle’ game, a genre which is more suited to mobile devices – from which this is a port – and so I wondered how it would fare on consoles. It turns out that whilst the design and charm is there – it does feel that the mobile market is perhaps the best place for Tap Wizard 2.

The game begins with you choosing your wizard and their six powers from a choice of various elements, from then on, your wizard will engage in endless waves of combat with enemies in ever-increasing numbers and strengths as you incrementally increase your stats, powers, and abilities.

Visually the game features some tasty pixel art and runs very smoothly. The chiptune audio is catchy, but on a relatively short loop, although you can flick between a few different ditties in the menu. What you cannot do, though, is turn off the rumble on your controller, this is of note as the controller constantly rumbles throughout the game, and you can’t put your controller down or it’ll rumble off the table and onto the floor. This wouldn’t normally be an issue, but as it’s an idle game with a lot of downtime, it would have been a nice feature to include.

Whilst primarily an idle game, you can take direct control over your wizard as he wanders his way around the single-screen battlefield, and you’ll find that you’ll survive longer and get more pick-ups this way, as the AI-controlled wizard tends to just either move in a sweeping circle, or stay in the centre of the screen, ignoring the many chests that pop up full of goodies. 

Another minor niggle is that the left thumb stick – this controls the on-screen cursor, the right thumb stick handles manual wizard movement – seems to always start offscreen at the bottom left, which is a bit odd, the centre of the screen would be preferable for initial cursor placement.

The number of various panels, inventory areas, unlockables, upgrades and bonuses etc. is laudable and certainly adds a sense of progress to your quest, but the time-locked lore / narrative reveal is so overly verbose and lengthy that I got more irritated than intrigued upon reading. 

I found that the game was best played as I was cleaning my flat, having it on in the background and popping back every few minutes to maybe take over manually, and click through, selecting all of the things I’d unlocked whilst idle.

SUMMARY

It’s a game that’s too uninvolved to sit and fully engage with, and not engrossing enough to boot up and check in when playing on the Xbox, without the instancy and casualness of mobile play. 

I’d be interested to see what developer TopCog comes up with next, as I feel there’s a lot of talent and promise there, but on console, Tap Wizard 2 doesn’t quite click for me.

6.5/10

💧MELTING💧

Save the date: The VGHF Digital Library Opens January 30th 🗓️🕹️ #Retrogaming

After years of collecting, cataloguing, and digitizing video game history materials, the Video Game History Foundation is finally opening the virtual doors to its library—wherever you are!

Next week on January 30, VGHF is launching the first public version of its' library system, with digital access to some of the exciting special collections.

Coming very soon...

• Never-before-seen game development materials.
• Artwork, press kits, and promo materials from iconic video games.
• 1500+ full-text searchable out-of-print video game magazines.

WATCH A SNEAK PEEK VIDEO HERE👇

Crowdfunding For Disco Elysium Spiritual Successor, Hopetown, Announced by Longdue Devs 📰 @longduegames #IndieGames #GameDev

A spiritual successor to Disco Elysium, Hopetown redefines the psychological RPG genre with groundbreaking mechanics and a world shaped by your words...

Longdue, the studio founded with contributors to Disco Elysium and other industry veterans, is thrilled to announce the crowdfunding pre-launch for its debut game, Hopetown.

Dreamcore Xbox Series X Review 7/10 "Feeling….Lonely?" 😶‍🌫️ @DreamcoreGame @TlonIndustries #IndieGame #GameDev

Dreamcore is a very unique experience as a game, with it’s use of liminal spaces and an incredible sense of isolation in its quietly nightmare-ish locations. The use of life-like body-cam style visuals and crisp graphics heighten the sense of agency, but the design and gameplay itself can very much oscillate between irritation and boredom dependent on your personal standing with the unspoken horror of isolation and liminal places. For some, this will be an intense experience whilst others may see Dreamcore as an interesting piece of art that has a novelty factor that wears off relatively quickly.

Super Technos World: River City & Arcade Classics [Release: April 24, 2025] List Of Games Revealed 📎 #Retrogaming @ASW_official_EU

Arc System Works Co., Ltd. is excited to announce the release of Super Technos World: River City & Arcade Classics coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation®5, and Steam April 24, 2025. As of today, Wishlist registration is open on the PS Store.

This collection brings you 12 games in one, from developer Technos Japan known for creating the legendary River City and Double Dragon series. 

This variety pack of titles includes some gems that haven’t been widely ported before. From arcade classics to region-exclusive titles, you’ll have plenty to explore in this collection! Get your hands on these highly exclusive games of legend!

The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit To be Released In Q2 - 2025! 🕹️🤓 @megacatstudios #IndieGame #RetroGaming #GameDev

Get ready to dive into the world of terrible games once again as Retroware and Mega Cat Studios announce The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit, coming to the NES and all modern platforms in Q2 2025.

Heavily inspired by classic side-scrollers like Megaman, The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-bit challenges players to battle through frantic platforming levels and defeat classic AVGN enemies to save gaming from a corrupted monstrosity.

ALL WILL FALL PC Gameplay "Sometimes I Struggle With The Stairs" 🌊🏗️ @AllWillFallGame #IndieGame #GameDev

ALL WILL FALL, an innovative new city builder launching in 2025 on PC via Steam that combines the high-stakes survival colony sim management with pure physics-based pandemonium where every building can crumble under its weight. It’s like Jenga with human lives at stake! In a flooded post-apocalyptic world, you’ll construct and govern humanity’s last bastion the only way that remains: up!!

Stack buildings carefully while keeping real-world construction factors in mind, manage the needs of your people, and make tough decisions to keep your society and the city itself from collapsing. With various unique maps, objectives, and challenges to discover, there are always new heights to be reached and new tragedies to try to avoid.

STEAM LINK 🔗 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2706020/ALL_WILL_FALL_PhysicsBased_Survival_City_Builder/

Lonely Mountains Snow Riders Has Now Been released On PC and It's GREAT! ⛷️🏔️ @LonelyMnts #IndieGame #GameDev

@thegamesfreezer Lonely Mountains Snow Riders PC Gameplay ⛷️🏔️ #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.

Home Safety Hotline Xbox Series X Review 9.5/10 “The best horror game of 2024” ☎️🖥️ @SlickNickLives #IndieGame #GameDev

I’m going to start this review off by saying - whenever you get a phone call in this game, wherever you are in the directory, it puts you back right at the start. So, if you’re at the letter ‘P’, a phone call will come in and it puts you back to the start…which is the letter ‘A’ just in case you somehow know how to read but don’t know the alphabet… which is probably one person out there, and speaking of one, that's how many criticisms I have of this game. One. the one I’ve just said, That's it, the rest of this review will be just gushing praise - I adore this title.

So, with my vast negativity about this game now out of the way, let’s get into why it’s utterly amazing.

Couchmaster® CYCON³ - HORIZONLIGHT Review "Gaming Comfort at its peak!" 🖱️ @NerdytecES

Everyone has a different gaming setup, dependent on their home situation. Over the years, I’ve shifted from tiny bedrooms to living room gaming setups, bespoke gaming rooms, and back again. With wireless controllers, things are a little easier but having a PC mouse and keyboard setup is always a little cumbersome, pretty much tying you to a desk…until now…

Perfectly designed for couches and armchairs, the first thing that strikes you when the Couchmaster Cycon3 is removed from the incredibly well-packaged box is the heft and robustness of it. This isn’t a flimsy product that needs to be handled with kid gloves, it’s a weighty, solid unit with accessible ports and easy access for cable management purposes.

Neon Blood Nintendo Switch Review 6.5/10 "The spark of something beautiful" 🧠⚡️ @ChaoBrainStudio #IndieGame #GameDev

Neon Blood was one of those games that struck me the moment I first watched the trailer, a beautiful blend of 3D environments with 2D characters, that supposedly melded that cyberpunk aesthetic with detective-based adventure, on paper – and on screen – it looked to be a winner. Sadly, as much as there was in Neon Blood that really drew me in, there was just as much working against my enjoyment.

Set in an alternate, distant future, the player is cast in the role of detective Axel McCoin, a burnt-out detective who regularly uses the fictional drug Spark to cope with extreme pain caused by his failing bio-implants. Mostly dismissed by his superiors, Axel (cool name ) gets embroiled in a series of murders that hint at a larger conspiracy…

The Spirit Of The Samurai PC Gameplay 'Takeshi's Castle' 🎎🎍🎋 @samuraisgame #IndieGame #GameDev

The Spirit of the Samurai is a side-scrolling action platformer developed by Digital Minds Games. The game follows Takeshi, a samurai tasked with defending his village from an ancient evil. The story is engaging, starting with a young boy meeting a Kitsune, who narrates the tale of Takeshi and his mystical connection to the spirits.

Gameplay: The game offers a straightforward combat system with a sword, bow, and consumables like kunai. Players earn XP by defeating enemies, which can be used to upgrade attributes at shrines. The game also features platforming segments where players control Takeshi's small companion, Chisai. Graphics & Audio: The standout feature of The Spirit of the Samurai is its unique visual style, reminiscent of stop-motion and Claymation. The game draws inspiration from classic films like Jason and the Argonauts and old Mortal Kombat games. However, the frame rate issues, especially during the final boss fight, detract from the overall experience. Longevity: The game is relatively short, with a playtime of around five hours. Despite its brief length, the game manages to deliver a satisfying experience, thanks to its captivating story and unique visual style. Overall, The Spirit of the Samurai is a visually stunning game with an engaging story and straightforward gameplay. However, technical issues and a short playtime may leave some players wanting more.

Super Rolling Heroes Deluxe Xbox Series X Review 6.5/10 "Keep on rollin’ baby" 🧶 @solidneongames @JanduSoft #IndieGame #GameDev

A fun and polished casual title, Super Rolling Heroes Deluxe is a game about downward momentum. You must control your colourful, rotund buddy as they tumble down mountains avoiding spikes, traps, and pitfalls in a bid to make contact with the jewel at the end of each stage, thus completing the level.

Controls are simple, you can backpedal slightly, slow yourself down, or hop as you roll down the hills, smashing up the tiny houses, cars and structures that litter your way. The music is light and gentle, matching the pastel colours that are a breeze on the eyes. The animation and scrolling is also a very smooth 60 fps, which adds to the flow of the game.

Unfortunately, whilst there are various cosmetic unlockables that you can purchase – and side roads that lead to the extra gems etc. that act as in-game currency, the environment never really changes, and aside from the game getting trickier, you’ll find yourself passing the same structures and items over and over, meaning that there’s no real sense of progress beyond the numbers of the levels changing. 

You can adjust the difficulty to make it more of a challenge, but a little could have gone a long way here, with maybe differing weather conditions affecting your traversal, and some more dynamism and variety to the environments themselves, or the inclusion of hectic multiplayer races. 

SUMMARY

All that said, this is a fundamentally sound game that is fun for short blasts and is perfectly priced – but lacks that little something extra to make it a strike.

6.5/10

💧MELTING💧

Snowman Story Nintendo Switch Review 6/10 "A very specific festive adventure" ☃️ @OdencatGames #IndieGame #GameDev

As this was a child-friendly game, I thought I’d take the opportunity to play through with my three-year old son, a boy who is very much caught up in the magic of Christmas. As it pans out, whilst this is a very cute and noble game as a bittersweet Christmas fable, the simplicity and repetition end up stagnating any sense of flow, and ultimately mute the eventual emotional payoff.

Awaken Astral Blade PC Gameplay "Christmas Tree O' Christmas Tree" 🎄⚔️ @AwakenBlade #IndieGame #GameDev

Awaken: Astral Blade is a Metroidvania game that combines classic elements with a few unique twists. The game follows Tania, a bionic girl created by Dr. Herveus, as she navigates the dense rainforest of Horace Island to uncover the mystery behind a strange energy called Karpas.

Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) PC Gameplay "Get Off My Land!" 🌲🪓 @TwoFalls #IndieGame #GameDev

Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is a narrative-driven, first-person adventure game that takes players on a journey through the 17th-century Canadian wilderness. The game presents two contrasting perspectives: Jeanne, a French woman who has crossed the Atlantic to start anew, and Maikan, an Innu hunter trying to uncover what is disturbing his native forest.

IronFall: Invasion Nintendo Switch Review 6/10 💥 @VdDevGames #IndieGame #GameDev

Sometimes I’m taken in by a simple trailer for a game, or even the first few words of a press release, we -very kindly – get sent a lot of games here at GF, and as I mention in my year-end article - we unfortunately don’t get the time to cover them all, so when a certain genre pops out that you haven’t tucked into for a while, or you are just really in the mood for. It’s fun to take a punt and see what the game has to offer. In the case of IronFall: Invasion, I could see that it was a Switch FPS – and that was all it took for me to dive in.

From the rating of 6/10, you can probably tell that this won’t be featuring in our end-of-year lists, but I do have a bit of a caveat here, as IronFall: Invasion captures a very specific vibe, and I can imagine that it will find its niche among gamers as it feels like a bit of a time capsule, which I’ll explain as best I can.

IronFall: Invasion is a 2024 release of what was originally a 2015 3DS game, and though it appears that it wasn’t too warmly received at the time of release, as I didn’t know the background of the title at the time of playing, I had a very different experience, and to me, it felt very much like an early PS2 title that had been remastered for the PS Vita.. 

From the blunt and pacey intro through to the presentation and mechanics of the game – you’ll be getting Perfect Dark / Deus Ex vibes from how each cutscene is presented – there’s a solid functionality to the game that seems locked in to the early 2000’s in an almost delicious way that’s designed to invoke a very specific nostalgia, and – to me – it’s this that is the IronFall: Invasion calling card. If you don’t connect with this, it will be a very vanilla experience.

Set in the near future, you are a soldier that is a one-man force against an alien (although...robots) invasion, and through arena / corridor based FPS action, must take down this growing threat. The combat is suitably PS2, in that it is heavily cover-based and against a relatively small variety of enemy types in empty areas with no collectibles or reasons to explore, beyond clearing them out. 

There are sections wherein you have to hold a post against enemy attacks, but it’s all very PS2-retro. That said, the entire game is a silky smooth 60fps, and the gun play is quite satisfying, you pick up weapons that fare better against certain enemy types etc., and that N64/PS2 vibe is in full force as you make your way through the campaign. 

There’s almost a celebratory sense as to how the game feels to play, like it’s point blank refused to move beyond the era that it evokes, and does it bizarrely well. Each time I cleaned out spawning roomfuls of identikit enemies, and had marched down myriad boring corridors, I almost felt transported back in time, and it was oddly nostalgic of a very specific time for me. 

Of course, the question is - whether that feeling is worth £18 to you?

The controls feel like they could do with a slight tweaking in terms of sensitivity, but again – there’s no room for personalisation here, you get what you are given, and that adds to the ‘trapped in time’ sense that the game conjures up.

SUMMARY
I hope that this game finds its audience – perhaps not at the current full price, admittedly – but nonetheless, there’s a little bit of magic here that will be quite a trip down memory lane for a lot of folks. 

There’re no flourishes here, just a rock solid meat ‘n potatoes early PS2 duck ‘n cover shooter remastered for the PS Vita...except it’s a 2015 3DS game released in the Switch in 2024, natch.

6/10

💧MELTING💧

PURCHASE LINK:

IRONFALL Invasion | Nintendo Switch download software | Games | Nintendo UK

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.