Play Critically

Tearscape Review

The indie scene loves to infuse new ideas into old favorites. Tearscape is near the head of its class in this effort.

In barely more than twenty runs I feel like I’ve seen everything Splintered Fate has to offer.

I urge myself to look past my misgivings to Messy Recipe’s strongest qualities and imagine the kinds of players who may enjoy it.

In the scrum of indie action and adventure videogames inspired by The Legend of Zelda, Under the Island is above average.

Allow me to add my voice to a chorus who have thundered the windows for years: Against the Storm is an impeccable city management sim.

PowerWash Simulator 2 is bigger, smarter, and more refined, but doesn’t feel as special.

Hades II is a marvel of mechanical and systemic complexity. Narratively, it’s a bit of a dud.

Ayasa: Shadows of Silence is not ready to be in players’ hands.

The Valley Beyond needs far more polish for its genuinely good ideas to shine.

These are my picks for the five must-play indies of 2025, and I bet you can already guess what three of them are.