Platforms – SmashPad

REVIEW – “PRAGMATA” is a dream of a game that represents the best design, action, and characters capable in the medium

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 13 Apr 2026

In every subjectively measurable way, this game is turbo-charged, immensely enjoyable, and such a profoundly well-executed experience that it’s already shortlisted for the top of my game of the year list.

REVIEW – “Cleaning Up!” makes cleaning more fun than it really is

by Alex Quevedo | Nintendo Switch PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam | 0 Comments | 10 Apr 2026

Ryan Gosling drives, I clean. He has a scorpion jacket. I have headphones. He navigates the streets well. I navigate dogs in the way well enough. So naturally, I’m well suited to discuss Cleaning Up!, a game all about… that.

REVIEW – “MINOS” melds tragedy and strategy with its smart, seductive gameplay hooks and bloody depth

by David Rodriguez | PC Reviews Steam | 0 Comments | 09 Apr 2026

MINOS is a valued toolbox of devious joy and wracking despair that’s pretty easy to look at, play with, and understand even as it gets more complicated and complex. Ultimately, you’re in control, for better or worse, and any game that gives you this level of freedom and personal expression is one that should be pedestaled like a bronzed Greek god for all to see.

[PAX East 2026] Hands-On: “Grim Trials” is a Hades-like worth checking out

by Myles Obenza | PAX East PC Previews Steam | 0 Comments | 08 Apr 2026

During PAX East in Boston, I had the opportunity to play Grim Trials for about half an hour, but that wasn’t nearly enough time to really sink my teeth in. Not only because that isn’t really enough time to get a full impression, but also because what I played was genuinely fun, and I’m excited to eventually dive back in.

REVIEW – “Samson” is bland, buggy, and brutal to play

by Andrew Farrell | PC Reviews | 0 Comments | 08 Apr 2026

It’s somewhat strange that there aren’t many indie games taking inspiration from Grand Theft Auto. Driving around a city while taking on crime jobs is a great loop, so when Samson was announced, I was excited to play it. That excitement turned to annoyance in very short order, though, as the game is just plain bad in most ways, from its awful driving and terrible combat to its poor balance and meaningless game focus. The incredibly bland characterization certainly doesn’t help matters either, all combining to make for a subpar experience across the board.

REVIEW – “The House of Hikmah” is a beautiful but bug-riddled cultural experience

by Michael Fertitta | PC Reviews | 0 Comments | 07 Apr 2026

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.

REVIEW – “ChainStaff” revels in visceral action on resplendent alien worlds, invoking classics while making its own footprint

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch PC PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox One Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 07 Apr 2026

Have you ever wanted to play a 2D game like Contra or Mega Man, but with the ninja rope from Worms Armageddon? Developer Mommy’s Best Games have just want you need.

REVIEW – “People of Note” has its charms, but it also has plenty of issues to note

by Danreb Victorio | Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 07 Apr 2026

As a fan of animated musical feature films, People of Note immediately got my attention when it was first unveiled late last year. The fact that it was also a turn-based RPG sealed the deal that it was a game I needed, but as I went through its mostly charming 20-hour journey, I felt like I had more moments of frustration than enjoyment.

REVIEW – Good art and performances can’t save “Legacy of Kain: Ascendance” from persistent mediocrity and imbalance

by David Rodriguez | Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 06 Apr 2026

So here we are, on the dawn of the return of many people’s favorite suck ‘n’ slash franchise dating back 30 years ago and it’s… not looking good. Legacy of Kain: Ascendance has a lot in its way when it comes to enjoyment of this eternal gang war between the human Sarafans and vampires.

REVIEW – “Marvel MaXimum Collection” is a nostalgic collection that both hits and misses

by Leigh Lamb | Nintendo Switch PC PlayStation 5 Reviews Steam Xbox One Xbox Series X | 0 Comments | 06 Apr 2026

So Marvel MaXimum Collection is tough to review. In terms of price point and variation of games included, it’s solid. The collection includes six games with 13 variations spanning 8-bit systems (including handhelds), 1-bit systems, and the arcade. The collection…

[PAX East 2026] Impressions + Discussion: “Aether & Iron” devs discuss crafting narrative excellence as a debut indie developer

by Michael Fertitta | PAX East PC Previews Steam | 0 Comments | 03 Apr 2026

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.

[PAX East 2026] Hands-On + Interview: “Rain98” holds mysteries we can’t wait to solve

by Danreb Victorio | PAX East PC Previews | 0 Comments | 03 Apr 2026

While it was also available to play on the show floor, the only offsite demo appointment I had during PAX East this year was to play Rain98, and it was more than deserving of it. It was a good thing I had time to chat with the game’s director, because boy, did I have questions! Luckily, the director of C#4R4CT3R, the indie studio responsible for developing the game, was there on-hand to chat after I completed the demo.

Category: Platforms

REVIEW – “PRAGMATA” is a dream of a game that represents the best design, action, and characters capable in the medium

REVIEW – “Cleaning Up!” makes cleaning more fun than it really is

REVIEW – “MINOS” melds tragedy and strategy with its smart, seductive gameplay hooks and bloody depth

[PAX East 2026] Hands-On: “Grim Trials” is a Hades-like worth checking out

REVIEW – “Samson” is bland, buggy, and brutal to play

REVIEW – “The House of Hikmah” is a beautiful but bug-riddled cultural experience

REVIEW – “ChainStaff” revels in visceral action on resplendent alien worlds, invoking classics while making its own footprint

REVIEW – “People of Note” has its charms, but it also has plenty of issues to note

REVIEW – Good art and performances can’t save “Legacy of Kain: Ascendance” from persistent mediocrity and imbalance

REVIEW – “Marvel MaXimum Collection” is a nostalgic collection that both hits and misses

[PAX East 2026] Impressions + Discussion: “Aether & Iron” devs discuss crafting narrative excellence as a debut indie developer

[PAX East 2026] Hands-On + Interview: “Rain98” holds mysteries we can’t wait to solve

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