2023 Videogames – Play Critically

En Garde! Review

En Garde! is fun while it lasts, which is not long at all.

MythForce’s incredible aesthetics and combat systems are let down by a drought of places in which the team can explore and fight.

While mechanically sound, No More Snow’s level design fails to create good environments for twin-stick shooting.

The Last Faith is derivative of other, popular videogames. This does not mean it’s bad.

The more I play Vernal Edge, the more I come to enjoy it, but it takes far too much effort to tease out those kernels.

Wall World doesn’t quite live up to its grand premise, but is mechanically strong.

I am uncertain if Frogsong is successful in its queer storytelling, but I appreciate its effort.

The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales’ intriguing setting and striking visuals keep me engaged when its mechanics do not.

Sometimes there’s satisfaction to be found from a repetitive task performed thoroughly and well. I feel none of that satisfaction here.

Of the 2023 indie releases I reviewed on Play Critically, I feel these are the five best.