tldr videogame curation
melbourne, australia

Liked

From Tom van den Boogaart of the Sokpop Collective, masters of short but often dense indie titles, Grunn may look tailor-made for gamedev Twitter gifs, but it’s… actually good! Beneath its quirky, relaxing gardening sim veneer lies a well-designed mystery with multiple paths, secrets, and great vibes.

In Egg Squeeze, one embarks on a journey that mirrors the human condition. Balancing fragility and strength, desire and restraint. The egg, a symbol of potential, demands our patience, our steady hand. Yet, in the moment of release, we confront our own mortality. It is not merely a game; it is a dialogue between player and object, an inquiry into control, vulnerability, and the very nature of existence. Each squeeze, an act of trust. Each fracture, a reflection of our inherent limitations. Memento mori. Egg.

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.

Tiny Glade is a charming, stress-free diorama builder where creativity is not constrained by resources, farming, or survival. Its beautiful visuals and tactile building mechanics are impressively executed, making it feel cosy and satisfying. A great option for a relaxing Sunday.

KILL KNIGHT is a fast-paced, demanding, isometric shooter blending the brutality of DOOM with Crimsonland-like mechanics. Set in an eldritch hellscape dripping with vibes, its tight combat systems, rewarding progression, and striking visuals make it engaging, addictive and ultra cool.

The Forever Winter is a co-op survival PvE extraction shooter set in a bleak, mech-dominated, war-torn world. It’s super punishing; you’re not the hero in this world, scavenging for resources amidst constant threats. The atmosphere and dynamic combat are terrifying, keeping you constantly on edge. Won’t be for everyone, but a great addition to the genre.

UFO 50 is a collection of 50 retro-style games from famed indie devs Mossmouth and friends, crossing a wide variety of genres. While each game is simple in design, they offer surprising depth and at times challenge - but more than anything, demonstrate a wild imagination and passion for game design. The nostalgic visuals, creative concepts, and sheer variety make it a fun, unique and inspiring experience.

Arco blends tactical RPG gameplay with a striking, South American-inspired art style. Its narrative is moody and compelling. Combat is unique, strategic and engaging. Lots of secrets and meaningful choices. Really, really cool game.

Frostpunk 2 expands on the original’s brutal city-building survival beyond it’s citybuilding roots into grander strategy. The increased scale and deeper political mechanics make it more complex but just as engrossing. For me, a little overwhelming, and you definitely have to be in the mood, but it’s undeniably cool. Loooove the music, sound design, art, visual and UI design.

The Plucky Squire is wildly a charming adventure that seamlessly transitions between 2D storybook worlds and 3D environments. Its vibrant art style and inventive mechanics make puzzle-solving a joy, carried along by the whimsical and engaging narrative. Can tell lots of heart and soul went into this one, and it makes for a delightful experience which doesn’t outstay its welcome.