There are many games I appreciate which do not enjoy a great deal of publicity. The purpose of this modest list is to promote those games in an honest manner so that you, the reader, may find something of value. Please note that I may write about some of these more extensively in time.
This is an interesting case of a spiritual successor which fell somewhat flat compared to its sibling game. The predecessor, Remnants of Naezith, is a 2D speedrunning game focused on the use of dual lasers which act as grappling hooks. Dream Swing sought to translate Naezith's excellent movement to 3D, but set itself apart with an entirely different visual style and endless arena-like levels rather than linear ones. Unfortunately, it seems not to have caught on, but that has nothing to do with its quality. If you like smooth movement and meditative gameplay, Dream Swing is definitely worth picking up.
Before giving my thoughts, I should clarify that this game is a spectacle fighter, and I have no prior experience with said genre. That being said, I absolutely love Magenta Horizon, even when it gives me hell (play on words intended). The first thing you'll notice is the incredibly unique art style. Grotesque masses of writhing, painted flesh make for one of the best depictions of an afterlife I've laid eyes upon. Even more impressively is the amount of designs in the game; I recall encountering dozens of enemy types, each of which has its own quirks and must be considered carefully, especially in synergy with other foes. The moveset is equally sizeable and should satisfy even the most stylish of players. Magenta Horizon's soundtrack is also a highlight, but this write-up is getting long enough, so I'll leave it here with a strong recommendation.
This is a difficult game to write about because I really don't understand it, and that's kind of the point. Immortal Defense is, as per the name, a tower defense game. The story is just as esoteric as the visual style, and the game presently sits at around 160 reviews on Steam. The reason I love this game is the same reason many seem to dislike it: game mechanics are intentionally obscured until later in the game. Rather than upgrades between levels, your knowledge is the progression, and the levels have clearly been designed around this. For example, starting money is carried over from previous levels, so you can revisit them to get a higher score and thus more money for whatever you might be stuck on. The whole experience has a feeling of indescribable mystery, and I'd like to avoid speaking further on the actual mechanics to allow you that same feeling, but trust me when I say Immortal Defense is very unique.
I'm not a golfer, and I don't like most golfing sims. I do, however, enjoy casual golf games with a bit of depth, and Super Video Golf fills that hole (sorry) very well. The game has a lot going on so experienced players will not be disappointed, but it also tones down certain aspects that make these games frustrating for newcomers, such as extreme winds. Several modes are included, as well as full multiplayer support, which I'm told has an active community. The developer is also very attentive and updates frequently. Overall it's a very enjoyable experience with a cozy visual style to boot, plus there's a native linux build.
I hope you enjoyed this little list! There were a lot more deserving of inclusion than I realized, so I may end up making a part 2 or even 3.
- Sleeves