Clockwork Ambrosia is a game that takes that concept and goes in a fascinating, different direction, focusing instead on letting the player modify their weapons. To put it simply, I absolutely enjoyed my time with this game and its weapon mod mechanics.
Read more
Annapurna Interactive has always been a name I associate with developers and publishers that create games with fascinating and deep narratives. With the rise of AI in nearly every aspect of our lives, it opens the door for a larger conversation about the existentialism of working alongside technologies that can grow beyond human comprehension. D-Topia, an upcoming puzzle game from Annapurna, seeks to tell a story in a similar manner, and I was interested in checking out how far the demo dives into this increasingly relevant topic.
Read more
Every year at PAX East, the Games From Poland booth always impresses me with the sheer variety of games coming from Poland. There were at least a dozen unique titles populating the booth, but one that caught my eye was…
Read more
The PAX Rising showcase at PAX East always has a handful of titles that draw me in. It’s thanks to this booth that I have seen all sorts of great ideas put into practice. One of those games that stood out for this very reason was Jigrift, a 3D Puzzle Platformer by the solo developer at Empty Castle Games where the world is comprised of jigsaw pieces! As someone who enjoys jigsaw puzzles, puzzle games, and 3D platformers, I knew I had to give this game a try.
Read more
When it comes to puzzle games in a 3D realm, atmosphere is what consistently keeps me hooked into the world whose mysteries I’m unraveling. Games like The Witness and The Talos Principle did so in a way that had me reflect on existentialism, and as such, remained very impactful in my experience. When I first looked at The House of Hikmah, I had a feeling this would be another special experience to immerse myself in, this time in the realm of Middle Eastern inspiration.
Read more
At PAX East, I was given an opportunity to meet with the team at Seismic Squirrel to preview their debut title Aether & Iron ahead of launch and talk to the studio leads about what went into the making of their narrative-driven tactical RPG.
Read more
During PAX East, I was given the opportunity to sit down and play through a demo of Grave Seasons and talk with Emmett Nahil, the game’s Narrative Director. While the demo was a bit shorter than I would have liked, I absolutely came away with positive impressions of this title ahead of its August release. Grave Seasons takes the tried and true relationship building and farming elements of the genre and adds a new layer of narrative-driven complexity to keep players invested in the world around them.
Read more
PAX East never ceases to impress me with the sheer amount of indie titles on the show floor, and one of those that caught my attention was a dinosaur-themed Metroidvania called GNAW from Redstart Interactive. I was fortunate enough to play the demo for a half hour and talk with the developers about what compelled them to create this prehistoric adventure, and in the process, I was quickly taught how rusty I am with the genre.
Read more
These days, it can be hard to make a game stand out among the thousands released every year. Whether it’s a title requiring an elaborate marketing campaign or a solid pitching strategy, getting a game noticed becomes more difficult by the day. Mr. Sleepy Man, a dreamy 3D platformer from the mind of solo developer Devin Santi, challenged that narrative with its fascinating visual design and frankly absurd trailers. It absolutely stays true to the game’s world as a lucid dream of an experience.
Read more
by Michael Fertitta
|
Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Previews Steam Xbox One Xbox Series X |
0 Comments
|
04 Mar 2026
In my limited playing experience so far, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is shaping up to be a solid, modern way to experience a series whose brief existence seems to have flown under the radar by fans of the larger Mega Man franchise.
Read more
Imagine my surprise when I got word of Demon Tides, an indie game that intends to recapture that same feeling of thrilling exploration and vibrant world-hopping that Wind Waker and A Hat in Time did. Yeah, it was a no-brainer to dive into this game to see if it hits the mark. And let me tell you, it absolutely does.
Read more
by Michael Fertitta
|
Console Nintendo Switch PC Platforms PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X |
0 Comments
|
11 Feb 2026
In 2000, Nintendo released the original Paper Mario, an instant hit for RPG and Nintendo fans alike. While recent entries have left many fans disappointed, its legacy has spawned several titles from indie devs that have attempted, and generally succeeded,…
Read more© 2026 Smashpad © 2023