Old-timey German RPG Gothic had a few spiritual successors, but most were offshoots from the same studio. Thanks to pre-digital distribution limits of 2001, it was obscure in North America, which of course means it never existed. It didn't even have Mario in. But Gothic was also…
Civilization 7 is a competent entry with some poorly executed ideas and a striking lack of personality.
Empire-building re-envisaged as managing elaborate production chains, then re-re-envisaged as another 4X with repetitive micromanagement and weak, bland AI.
Frostpunk 2 is an atmospheric, bold attempt to reinvent its society-moulding subgenre, but its story and building too often frustrate.
One of the classic draws to games as a medium is having a go at fictional jobs like wizard, space salvager, or landlord. This week I've been playing Times & Galaxy, a kinda silly but absorbing visual novel game about a sci fi concept called "journalism". It's good!
A fussy and demanding, but utterly singular and impossibly absorbing planning and logistical sim that other city builders can barely hope to match.
A few bugs and grumbles with Skald are utterly brushed aside by a charming and accessible modernisation of 80s RPG detail.
Songs Of Conquest is a colourful army building and smushing strategy game with clear rules and a heap of RPG levelling-powered possibilities.
A familiar yet solid revival of late 90s FPS action that brings back a few annoyances but still sticks the landing.
An underexplained but ultimately rewarding tactical RPG with a rich and broad character customisation system that grew on me the longer I played it.
An ambitious hybrid of RTS, management, and narrative history masterfully put together to represent a unique war story that easily smooths over some AI quirks.
An engaging zone-based city builder that balances simulation with ease of play, but offers little that feels substantially new or improved enough to warrant a sequel.
An undemanding but enjoyable large scale 4X, with an emphasis on exploration and remixing possibilities in a familiar but somewhat flexible setting.
The Lamplighters League's strong turn-based foundation and colourful setting is held back by grind, blind chance, and a need for efficiency over strategy..
Six Ages 2 is a solid entry in a unique story-generator series that rewards a fascination with human cultures, but demands acceptance of failure and misfortune
