The Wizard and The Slug

The Wizard and The Slug

The Wizard and The Slug is a whimsical 2D platformer with an enormously entertaining story and characters. The humor is by far the highlight of this game, but it also contains some challenging platform action. The inclusion of all kinds of strange encounters, goofy mini-games, and laugh-out-loud jokes doesn’t hurt it either. Even players who are not very good at platform games will be able to experience this one due to the inclusion of an “assist” menu, so don’t miss out.

Gameplay: The game features decent platforming action, but it’s the small touches that make the game stand out.

Graphics: The visuals are very basic but also very charming.

Sound: The music and sound effects are decent and very fitting

Card Hog (SnoutUp)

Card Hog (SnoutUp)

Card Hog by SnoutUp is a card-based dungeon crawler where you pick your little pig protagonist and then try to stay alive for as long as possible. Along the way, you get to slay all manner of foes and pick up different weapons with which to do the slaying. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your health and grab the healing potions needed to keep the porky protagonist alive. All in all, it plays like a typical role-playing game but presented in the most accessible way possible

klocki

klocki

Klocki is a short and relaxing puzzle title that should appeal to all fans of the genre. Thanks to the lack of timers, ratings, leaderboards, and points it’s a very calming experience too. Although it starts very easy the game continually introduces new puzzle elements and then combines everything for a bigger challenge. Nevertheless, most players should be able to complete every level in under two hours, but seeing as the game is so cheap this is still great value for money.

Gameplay: Somewhat easy, but very enjoyable and relaxing.

Graphics: The minimal visuals fit the calming nature of the game.

Sound: Just as calming and soothing as the visual style

OutDrive

OutDrive

OutDrive combines the Synthwave aesthetic with some nice music for an endless runner where you must maintain your speed to keep a girl alive. Unfortunately, it is let down by the controls and a lack of variety. Nevertheless, the game is cheap, and you can also import your own tracks, so as long as you can put up with the controls, there is still fun to be had.

Gameplay: The controls are lacking, and the game doesn’t have a lot of variety.

Graphics: OutDrive perfectly captures the Synthwave aesthetic.

Sound: The soundtrack is very fitting, and players can also use custom songs

Sakura Swim Club

Sakura Swim Club

Sakura Swim Club is another fan service packed visual novel by Winged Cloud. The protagonist is an unmotivated high school student named Kaede who joins the swim club where he is drawn into the lives of Hiromi and Mieko. The two girls are the only remaining members of the club and while trying to whip Kaede into shape they begin to develop feelings for him too. There’s nothing new or surprising here, but Winged Cloud fans will enjoy the game, especially with the adult patch which adds a few sex scenes.

Gameplay: The game gives the illusion of choice, but the experience is actually very linear.

Graphics: The art is the highlight of the game.

Sound: Decent sound effects, but the music is very forgettable

TurnOn

TurnOn

TurnOn is a unique platform game in which players must guide a tiny alien spark along electric wires to help restore power to a city experiencing a blackout. The game is very casual and relaxing for the most part, but some unexpected runner-style sections can cause frustration. It is also a very short game, but the healthy dose of achievements helps with the replay value.

Gameplay: The game is casual and relaxing until the runner sections make an appearance.

Graphics: TurnOn features 3D visuals that are viewed from a primarily 2D perspective.

Sound: The jazzy soundtrack is a highlight

Sakura Beach

Sakura Beach

Sakura Beach is a typical fan service focused visual novel with a generic storyline, implausible situations, and rather generic characters. Watching childhood friends Ayumi and Momoko practically throw themselves at the completely oblivious Seiji can be amusing, but overall there isn’t a lot here that players will remember after completing the game.

Gameplay: Six choices that lead to one of three different endings.

Graphics: Vibrant backgrounds and character sprites are decent.

Sound: Rather generic

Roundabout

Roundabout

Roundabout is a game about traversing narrow city streets to get your passengers to their destination. The catch is that your limousine constantly rotates, so good timing is required to avoid hitting obstacles and blowing up. It is a very short game, but lots of fun, and the cheesy FMV scenes must be seen to be believed. The game is also very forgiving, so anyone should be able to enjoy it despite the challenging concept.

Gameplay: Requires timing and patience, but successfully dodging obstacles is very satisfying.

Graphics: Not spectacular, but colorful and charming.

Sound: The soundtrack is very fitting, as is the unconvincing voice-acting

Star Sky

Star Sky

Star Sky is a mysterious, relaxing game about a man on a midnight walk. The stylish 2D silhouette visuals and ethereal soundtrack make for a very atmospheric game. However, it is also very short and can be completed without much of a challenge. Anyone looking for a traditional game will be disappointed by Star Sky, but open-minded players who enjoy unique gaming experiences will enjoy it.

Gameplay: Very short and simple, but also quite charming.

Graphics: Minimalistic but stylish.

Sound: Great ambient sounds and soothing music

Sakura Fantasy

Sakura Fantasy

Sakura Fantasy features an intriguing storyline, interesting characters, and beautiful artwork, but ends with too many unresolved questions. This wouldn’t have been so bad if the planned sequels were ever released, but unfortunately, this was not to be. Unfortunately, this means anyone playing the game for the story will be disappointed. However, players who are purely interested in the lewd content will find plenty here, especially after installing the optional uncensor patch.

Gameplay: Interesting until the story just ends without any real conclusion.

Graphics: The visuals look great is filled with the usual amount of fan service.

Sound: Decent Japanese voice acting and the soundtrack is good too