2025 was a tumultuous year for many reasons. The most obvious reason that comes to my mind is the back log of review games I have. Just kidding, seriously!
Sometimes we as humans go through phases almost like how the moon and the ocean are intertwined within an endless dance that will continue on until long after anyone on this website is alive. Life, mental health, physical health, emotional battery, etc move and dance but somehow at a slower pace than our friends the moon and ocean. Finding yourself stuck almost like a brick wall, moving slowly along the scale of GOOD and BAD.
This year I was on the BAD side most of the time, 2026 I’ve found myself on the GOOD. I hope you, dear reader, have as well.
Now onto video games.
1. Lynked
Lynked is interesting, it’s a multi-player co-op optional game that combines gameplay mechanics from Animal Crossing and Hades. You go out on missions to get items to upgrade yourself, your town and finding things to help people in said town. The result isn’t close to as good as its inspirations but I do think it’s worth checking out if you are curious.
2. Into the Emberlands
Into the Emberlands is a cozy focused rogue lite game where you play as a cute Lightbearer. The game is all about going out and finding things to rebuild your city. Adventuring is structured more like Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, its a fun cute romp.
3. Closer the Distance
Closer the Distance is a slice of life simulator where you take control of the spirit of a young woman who just passed away in a car crash named Angela. As Angela you get to oversee the life of your loved ones and watching their life after your death where you can influence small but huge moments in their lives leading up to your funeral that have drastic effects on the overall story.
4. Rusty Rabbit
The only reason I was interested in this game was due to it being written by Gen Urobuchi. For the uninformed he wrote Madoka Magica and Fate/Zero anime series. He’s good, sometimes. This game falls into the sometimes category. It’s a metroidvania that feels clunky, characters kinda suck and it just doesn’t go anywhere.
5. Knightling
This game is interesting, it’s a 3D platformer with souls-like gameplay. What makes it actually fun is you are a knight… who has a big shield and you use that shield to traverse around the map. It’s fast and has intriguing gameplay twists centered around your big shield. The story is a bit weaker than I would like but I do think if you’re hankering for a 3D platformer with something different to it, you should grab this one.
Steam review codes provided by publishers.
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