I'm currently playing Sinking Island for the first time, a game that I had skipped for many years because of the mixed reviews. I'm enjoying it immensely and can recommend it to anyone who likes detective games and whodunits. It runs smoothly on modern machines, and the plot is very interesting with lots of twists. Do not let the reviews deter you, it's an excellent game!

I finished Tormentum II. A very thought provoking and interesting game. I really liked the art and the length was just right. Although this certainly is more puzzle heavy than the first and more open play (it opens up after the prison), it is fairly easy for a veteran player. I didn't mind though because most puzzles were logical and well tight to the gameplay, with the exception of a couple of routine ones in there that feel out of place and are more akin to casual games that could be avoided in my opinion, because they feel a bit cheap and out of place, but they dont ruin the overall quality .The super good ending may also require some replaying if you are into this kind of thing (gathering all 3 characters to help you at the end). The characters (from key ones to minor) with their design, mannerisms and dialogue really give breath to this grotesque world each being a cog to the whole plot. One of the best games I played this year. Only thing I would change is  

Show Content

ending requirement


after the simulation restart in the fruit island you have to close the door and bar it

Which I found a bit of an overkill as a requirement for the ultra ending, I think that helping your three companions is enough and also makes sense storywise, whereas the above early choice comes out of the blue at the end to steal your "perfect" victory away and there are no early clues (that I found at least) hinting you that this is so relevant to the conclusion. Although after you finish the game it is easy to understand what you can do to change the outcome and where with a replay, I dislike replaying large portions of a game just to see a different outcome except if there are conveniences provided by the developer like skipable puzzles and dialogues (unlocked for example after you beat the game), a timeline (often present in VNs with multible endings to experiment and change your choices fast like the nonary games) or at least unlimited save slots. There are none of these in Tormentum II. It would be just fine I believe to avoid the hassle to just make this choice a cosmetic, anchievement one, just adding an extra scene or a couple lines of dialogue as an easy fix or just add some conveniencies like the ones I mentioned. Anyway maybe I am just lazy, I'll just see the super ending in a video playthrough, no big deal. It's a great game go play it. 8/10 for me

Currently playing Darkestville Castle (2017). I love the art style.

I'm playing The Dreams in the Peacock House. 

"Wake up from a never-ending slumber and find your lost dreams in the shadows of the Peacock House, in this short narrative game that combines simple text adventure mechanics, point-and-click puzzles, and visual novel segments."

Sounds high concept - it looks the part as well.

I've only just begun, but I like it.

I started playing The Abandoned Planet and I've reached Act3. I find it so far quite easy which is a good thing after my almost ten year break from adventure gaming. It's a fun game and I enjoy myself. But it doesn't keep me up at night or have me gasp of excitement.

I'm playing Dreams in the Witch House for the first time - loving it so far. It's a classic point and click, but with some role playing elements and a semi real-time time structure. I thought I might find the time structure restrictive, but actually I'm really enjoying it. The story and atmosphere are fantastic, and it seems to work really well together.

Been on quite a roll with playing adventure games recently, and finished the following games from my backlist:

Lucy Dreaming - final verdict: good, even though it leaned a bit heavy on the reference humor and obscure puzzling.

Shadows of the Afterland: gorgeous art and great voice work, but felt a bit lacking story-wise and (in stark comparison to Lucy Dreaming) almost felt too linear and easy in its puzzles.

Slender Threads: Really liked this one - great comedy writing, unique art style, speedy modern point-n-click gameplay and the perfect level of challenging puzzles. I'm in two minds about the ending, but as a whole: very pleasantly surprised!

Apart from those, I even managed to get through almost all of the Midnight Scenes games, which was a mixed bag. Most of them were a bit to much visual novel and too little gameplay for me, but I did enjoy some of the Twilight Zone-esque stories combined with the great pixel art.


Currently playing Dark Rites of Arkham, which isn't really doing it for me at the moment - just something about the pacing and writing feels off to me, but I will pick it up again and get through it as soon as I can.

The Abandoned Planet Act 5 now. The game has improved as it progresses. Some puzzles are quite tricky, but mostly enjoyable and intuitive. I would have liked more of a story though.

I'm playing Dreams in the Witch House for the first time - loving it so far. It's a classic point and click, but with some role playing elements and a semi real-time time structure. I thought I might find the time structure restrictive, but actually I'm really enjoying it. The story and atmosphere are fantastic, and it seems to work really well together.

Which difficulty level are you on?

Easy wasn't much of a problem. Normal got me some close calls, and a bad ending. Haven't had the guts to try Hard yet...

---

I'm playing "Roots in the Sky", the second "Hand of Glory" game. No idea how long this game will be, but I'm already 8 hours in and loving it. Can't write about it yet because of the embargo, though.

Sweet! Good to know that the game is ready to go.