2020 Videogames – Play Critically

Bloodroots Review

I give Bloodroots high marks for its narrative and ludic cohesion, bevy of improvised weapons, and slick visual style.

Mortal Shell is a contradiction: an inadequate and acceptable alternative to an infamous inspiration.

Star Renegades’ smart strategy RPG battles are undermined by relying on the same few tactics with little variation.

Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth is a strong option for non-linear platforming fans looking for something small and tough to sharpen their skills on.

Alchemist Simulator is a unique magic puzzler which is hobbled by its much less interesting simulation aspects.

Undermine won’t convince the unconverted but is a solid, if familiar, experience for procgen dungeon crawler fans.

Hades is the perfect genre entrypoint for newcomers and a satisfying experience for veterans.

These are the five Switch indies I think are must-plays from the Pandemic Year.

Horror buffs will love Carrion but it needs a more substantial world to complement its incredible monster.

Age of Calamity shuts down the idea that Hyrule Warriors is a button-mashing grind but squanders its source material.