A cosy, clever puzzler with adorable art, quirky dialogue and just enough logic to feel satisfying. It’s short and can get repetitive, but, like Thomas Was Alone showed, personified shapes add immediate heart and charm. Hard to not like.

Time Flies is short, strange, and potentially unforgettable. You buzz through clever puzzles and silly bucket list goals, laughing one moment and reflecting the next. It’s over appropriately quickly, but every second is packed with charm and thoughtfulness.

Cult of the Lamb expands in early 2026 with the Woolhaven DLC. Near the endgame, players can uncover the frozen mountain of Woolhaven, rebuild its lost town, endure blizzards, battle the creeping Rot, and even raise animals through new ranching systems. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

Analyst mauronl has shared Devolver Digital’s 2024 investor highlights, revealing lifetime revenue of their top ten major IPs. Aussie-made Cult of the Lamb leads the bunch with over $US90M! Devolver now plans to double down on hit IPs with sequels, DLC, and definitive editions, while shifting to smaller third-party budgets and developing for Switch 2 after strong success on the original.

A surreal mystery built on perception, memory and art, wrapped in a cryptic, looping narrative. Its design deliberately disorients, making you feel lost - both physically, within its maze-like setting, and mentally, as you untangle cryptic symbols, shifting perspectives, and hidden logic. Like a living puzzle box, every solution peels back another layer of meaning, rewarding deep engagement and lateral thinking. Very good.

A solid follow-up with a “refined” UI (which I’m still not sure whether I like) and quality-of-life “improvements” (which I didn’t really feel necessary), atop weaker storytelling and puzzle design. The mystery unfolds a bit too predictably, and some puzzles feel like busywork rather than meaningful deduction. Still enjoyable, but an unfortunate step down.

Balatro isn’t just a great game - it’s a revelation. Its inventiveness and razor-sharp design all but set a new standard. With perfectly balanced mechanics and inspired, creative decisions, every moment feels deliberate, rewarding, extraordinary. A true masterpiece. Even in a year with lots of great releases, an easy pick for game of the year.

Neva is gorgeous to look at and… “fine”, but doesn’t quite meet the high standard set by GRIS. While its art style and sound design are captivating, the story and gameplay mostly feel a little derivative. The narrative lacks coherence, and a surprisingly simplistic theme is ultimately underwhelming. Combat and puzzles add variety but feel underdeveloped. Ultimately, Neva impresses aesthetically but lacks the thematic depth and compelling drive that made GRIS so good.

I recently revisited N++, and it’s still awesome. Truly an OG, its fast-paced, minimalist platforming with smooth controls and addictive, challenging levels require precision and foster mastery. Its sleek, uncompromising design, tight gameplay and community focus make for an all-time classic.

Caravan SandWitch is a relaxing, narrative-driven exploration game set in a post-apocalyptic world. You drive a van through vibrant, cel-shaded landscapes, helping communities and uncovering mysteries. While charming and hopeful, it can feel repetitive with its simple tasks and minimal environmental storytelling. The music and overall atmosphere are highlights though.