Microsoft – Play Critically

Under the Island Review

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.

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

Sorry We’re Closed exalts in colliding contrasting ideas and feelings against each other.

Though SWORN feels unfinished right now, it is competent and has the potential to grow over time.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound embodies everything a retro action platformer should aspire to be.

As a sequel to Hollow Knight, Silksong meets expectations. When expectations are this high, meeting them is no bad thing.

While largely an ethereal and placid experience, Herdling surprises with moments of wonder, suspense, and sadness.