Rachel Hobbs 
In this pastel-coloured world, friendly forest animals dwell. They need your care and attention to help ‘The Tree of Happiness’ grow. If it wasn’t already obvious by now, this is vey much aimed at younger gamers. For ‘The Tree of Happiness’ to sprout, it’s up to you to gather happy feelings. This is achieved by …
Here’s a child-tested review for you. In this family-friendly game, horse enthusiasts can catch up with Sofia, Lisa, Sarah, and Hannah at Lakeside Riding Stables. At the outset, you can customize your character and horse before taking on the main story. A tour of the stables, farm, and village let you see the area as …
If you are one of the millions who adore Animal Crossing, then this could very well become your next obsession. Studio Drydock’s Wylde Flowers is a sweet and spirited tale that immerses you into the world of farming, friendships, crafting, romances, and even witchcraft. After moving from the city after breaking off her engagement, Tara …
Within moments of starting Monobot, I was drawn into the sci-fi tale that was about to commence. In this surprisingly twee physics-based puzzle platformer, it’s your job to guide the tiny chap through the levels by moving along control platforms, activating mini teleporters, and facing bosses. The story sees Mono woken and set free by …
This 2D puzzle platformer presents a host of unique challenges to overcome as you travel through different worlds saving teensy alien creatures. With a total of 60 levels, and fresh mechanics to master, there’s plenty to get stuck into. It’s a case of running and jumping to reach the end of the level. Sounds simple, …
This charming patchwork-style platformer is filled with puzzles to overcome as you set about finding your beloved Samantha. As seen in Yoshi’s Woolly World, the colourful design not only draws you in but makes for an incredibly eye-pleasing experience; one accompanied by some ‘easy listening’ tunes to put a spring in your step. Words from …
This visual novel takes place in 2030 and is set in a nuclear research facility known as “LABO†– Laboratory of Atomic and Biological Organization. Two interconnected stories feature, both available from the outset. One part stars Watase Kasasagi, a rescue squad captain experiencing memory loss following a meltdown at the facility. The other features …
This 16-bit style psychological horror RPG bears similarities to both Mad Father and Corpse Party. I love this mix of gameplay styles, especially when survival elements are involved, so I was immediately drawn in. You play as Chloe, a mother fighting for her life to protect her children during a monster outbreak in her town, …
After becoming trapped in an ancient temple during an expedition, the unfortunate Mr. Paf – Mr. Whack to our French chums – is tasked with solving block-shoving puzzles to escape. This cartoon puzzler is viewed from an isometric angle, and also features platforming. It’s smartly designed and visually appealing with cutscenes that frequently impress. Monsieur …
Something is fascinating about games daring to tackle mental health of any form, trying hard to illustrate the pain and anguish people go through. What Happened – out now on PC and coming soon to consoles – takes us down this bleak path. It’s a psychological thriller which casts you into the life and mind …
This upcoming PC point and click revival knows how to make a good first impression. The art direction has an amazing cartoon style, slightly – and purposely – distorted by a dreamlike bubble lens. It’s really eye-catching, unquestionably helping to draw you in. It also manages to immerse with its story. Our tale stars Willy …
To simply put it, House Flipper is a game in which you renovate properties, cleaning them up, decorating, buying furniture, and even smashing down walls before putting your hard graft up for auction. It may sound like a peculiar set-up, but it’s the very epitome of a guilty pleasure. Your venture in house flipping begins …
Being as far removed from a typical adventure game set-up as imaginable, STONE throws you into the role of an Australian koala with a fondness for weed, alcohol and casual swearing. The docile detective wakes up in his pigsty of a flat and realises Cockie, the love of his life, is gone. Yes, you guessed …
Half Past Fate is an adorable 2D/3D rom-com adventure, following the lives of six characters as they find each other in their unusual ways. It time hops throughout the course of 8 years, so you’ll need to keep up and stay on top of things. As someone who’s not usually partial to rom-coms, and can …
This PS2-era fantasy platformer – influenced by Maximo, as well as Jak and Daxter – made the jump from PS4 to PC earlier this year, in all its shield-swinging glory. Here, you play as warrior Galand. Once a strapping young man, the unfortunate fellow has been transformed into an elderly gent by a witch known …