Minimap's Reviews
There is no question in my mind: this game earns a full 5 out of 5 stars. It’s thoughtful, beautifully crafted, and lingers with you long after you set down the controller. If indie games are where the heart of storytelling lives, As Long As You’re Here is proof that the genre is alive, thriving, and capable of something profound.
In just a little over 2 hours, Undusted: Letters from the Past wrecked me emotionally, but it had a lasting impression on me. It’s a game about dealing with family hardships and grief. However, if you want a short and relaxing game that also tells a beautiful story, look no further! I think fans of games like Venba and Unpacking especially would love this. Just be aware that it does weigh a bit heavy on the heart.
Just like the name suggests, the flow of customers never ends, so it’s nothing but burgers and fries flying off the counter. In the mood for some of that stress that comes with this genre? Try the Time Challenge mode! Here, customers will not only rate the food, but also the amount of time it takes to get that food to them. This shift also gives you a nice 300% bonus, so if you want a little boost to unlock that next planet, try this one.
Monster Hunter Wilds is one of the best in the series. The core loop is satisfying, and the new systems push it forward. It held my attention more than two months after launch and shows no sign of slowing down. For me this is exceptional, as I am known to switch games rather quickly.
This game is perfect for relaxing. The ability to interact with most of the things in the rooms allows for a high level of customization in each level. The puzzle aspect is easy and encourages trying to get a higher score - with all of the Steam achievements being easily achievable. I highly recommend Urban Jungle to anyone who enjoys decorating games and simple puzzle games!
My first couple of hours were rough. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but once I figured out how to get more flames and could be out for longer, I started to love the game. This game is a perfect relaxation game. There is zero combat or enemies to worry about, and it is focused on gathering things to build up a little town with cute little villagers.
This game was amazing. I loved every second I spent in it. There were a few moments of frustration due to being hunted down by a large fish—but I digress. The calm fishing in the morning mixes perfectly with the deadly hunt-or-be-hunted feeling the night brings. I would highly recommend this to anyone! I don’t care what games they prefer, I think anyone who enjoys games can enjoy DREDGE. There is a plot that keeps things moving but it’s not super deep, so I think all players can follow and enjoy it.
Black Myth: Wukong is a great game. I can’t say it breaks the mold, but it is incredibly polished, looks absolutely stunning, and has an intriguing mythos that has me wanting more. It is nice to see devs still taking the risk of making an incredible triple A game like this, especially with the current state the gaming industry finds itself in. I hate to think that incredible single player experiences like Black Myth: Wukong are a thing of the past. I look forward to the next title to come from Game Science and hope this is just the beginning for this team.
You should 100% give Hell of an Office a try if you want a hard-as-Hell challenge to really sink your teeth into. Spend hours figuring out the perfect run and climb the leaderboards to become the best.
As to whether fantasy can transcend from imagination into reality is an answer that may differ from person to person, but as for me, my experience with Metaphor: ReFantazio left me with memories that I will treasure. While the characters may not exist in actuality, their stories resonate with me—reminding me of individuals I have met or will go on to meet in the future.
This management game will have you going on one wild adventure after another, but don’t forget your father. No matter how many sewer trips you take, the donuts you bring back days later, or shifts you barely make, you have one true goal. Punch Club 2: Fast Forward is such a lovable game.
I could not think of a more perfect entry-level Metroidvania to have someone dip their toe into the genre. These games can be intimidating due to the incredibly large maps and neededbacktracking. Even though this map is large, the item and location tokens help to massively reduce confusion.
If you’re looking for a horror experience that’s atmospheric, unsettling, and visually unforgettable, Reanimal is well worth the trip—just don’t be surprised if it leaves you feeling uneasy long after you put the controller down.
Esoteric Ebb shows that the spirit of Disco-likes can be done in a way that is incredibly potent and resonant with the player in the same way the original game was. It is a game that will inevitably stick with me as the months go on, and although 2026 is far from over, I believe you'll be hard-pressed to find anything else with this level of high quality writing this year. Games such as this come very rarely and they need to be harbored for how special they are as narrative experiences.
At the time of writing this, I’ve beaten the game three times over the course of three days, so I think my personal verdict is obvious. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone. Obviously fans of survival games will get the most out of it, but aside from that it’s just an all-round solid game - both in design and performance. I think that, despite how early it is to call it, Requiem is highly likely to take home Game of the Year for me.
Ruffy and the Riverside is a solid entry into the 3D platformer genre. I felt so nostalgic while playing it, especially when I stumbled across a hidden room where “Banjo was here!” was written on the wall. I definitely suggest giving this game a try and certainly if you’re a 3D platformer sicko like me. I finished this game at around 16 hours by doing a good amount of side quests, but there’s still plenty of collectibles and achievements left!
I’m merely pointing these flaws out to explain why Silent Hill f isn’t being rated higher. I would love to rate it as a masterpiece, and it is surely on the right roadway to being one. Perhaps with more patches the game will be refined even further. On its own, it is still a fantastic depiction of Japanese horror, and tackles themes that the game industry seems scared of tackling. There’s so much value to be had in a game that is unafraid to go against the grain, and to really bank on writing that’ll make you feel uncomfortable. In that sense, Silent Hill f is one of, if not the most important game released in 2025 on top of being a genuine return to form for the series
I’m incredibly impressed by how much Katanaut has to offer, especially for a solo developer project. It’s an easy tagline to call it Dead Cells meets Dead Space, but it’s so much more than that. Katanaut is a fantastic action-roguelike that elegantly uses cosmic horror to intensify combat and amplify the emotions felt while playing. I hope it gets attention amidst a crowded September. It absolutely deserves it.
Roadwarden is an illustrated text-based RPG that blends narrative choice, exploration, and role-playing mechanics. You play as a lone roadwarden traveling dangerous frontiers, tasked with connecting settlements, forging relationships, and uncovering mysteries in a harsh, lived-in fantasy world. The game’s unique interface divides the screen into three sections: on the left, illustrations paint the story as it unfolds; in the middle, text and choices guide your narrative path; and on the right, stats like Time and Vitality constantly remind you of the toll your journey takes and the urgency of your decisions.
Herdling is a beautiful atmospheric adventure that I would highly recommend, especially to anyone who’s a fan of games similar to Journey. Despite having a few slow moments, I think this game is stunning and an experience I’ll remember for a while. It only took me 4 hours to finish, so it’s the perfect bite-sized game to add to your list!