Mike, Author at Thumb Culture

1Feb

By MikeNo Comments

After the Wane Demo

After the Wane is an interactive visual novel developed and published by indie company Nova-Box (Along the Edge, Seers Tale). It tells the story of Lena, a ballerina graduate keen to make in the city (strongly implied to be Paris). Like many young adults looking to break into the arts, Lena struggles to break into the industry and begins finding herself. Guided by a mysterious voice only she can hear, Lena forges her path as a dancer and life in general. But perhaps it isn't Lena choosing the path as bizarre events start to occur and her absentee mother's past a dancer may play a part too. The demo ends part way through act 1 with the conclusion of the audition but I'm excited to see where Lena's story goes next. After the Wane has no release date but hopefully in 2026 on PC and Switch....

25Oct

By MikeNo Comments

Gaming, PC Reviews

Strange Antiquities – PC Review

Strange Antiquities is the latest game from developer Bad Viking and published by Iceberg Interactive. It is their follow-up to the very successful Strange Horticulture, taking place in the same town/universe. And it is shaping up to be just as well-received. The game is a shopkeeper sim with a twist, much like its predecessor. You play as the nameless assistant thaumaturgist who is left in charge of the titular store as bizarre events occur. Set in town during an alternate version of Victorian Era England, where the supernatural is commonplace. Each day, you'll do your best to help the townsfolk as something evil stirs within Undermere, and hopefully, your knowledge will solve it in time. Strange Antiquities is available now on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch. Alright, let's get to th...

4Mar

By MikeNo Comments

PC Reviews

Knights in Tight Spaces – PC Review

Knights in Tight Spaces (KITS) is the latest release from Bristol indie developers Ground Shatter, alongside publishers Raw Fury. Taking place in the Fights in Tight Spaces universe. Like its predecessor, KITS is a turn-based tactical deckbuilder, but this time with a high fantasy setting. Kicking off as a local mercenary, you stumble into becoming the hero/heroine opposing various evils threatening the land. Knights in Tight Spaces is available on Steam today i.e. March 4th 2025. It's time for some ragtag heroes in Knights in Tight Spaces I haven't played Fights in Tight Spaces, but I can easily see how KITS builds upon it in fresh ways. I have had a lot of fun with KITS, which pleasantly reminded me of Wildermyth and Slay The Spire. Let's check out why and how. Gameplay KITS open...

Saintess of the Golden Bow – PC Demo Preview

20Feb

By MikeNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Saintess of the Golden Bow – PC Demo Preview

Saintess of the Golden Bow (SotGB) is the latest and first commercial project from Transparent Games and publisher Error 300. Transparent Games is a Polish studio that has made over a dozen free games since 2021. SotGB is a fantasy romance visual novel where the heroine must navigate the responsibilities of the title role and handle romance involving the eligible bachelors who cross your path. Will Cupid's arrow find its mark in Saintess of the Golden Bow? I went into the demo expecting a period romantic drama and was pleasantly surprised. SotGB delivers a spin on the fantasy genre with its world-building and a likeable protagonist in Celeste. It is still in early development as fundraising for the game will come from the developer's Patreon and upcoming Kickstarter campaign. The demo wi...

10Feb

By Mike1 Comment

PC Reviews

While Waiting PC Review

While Waiting is the latest release from indie developer and publisher Optillusion (Moncage). This point-and-click narrative game depicts the unnamed male protagonist's life at various key moments. The premise intrigued me as you can let events happen passively or actively participate to make entertaining moments happen. The game is full of tongue-in-cheek humour, and heart as you relate to the main character. It even had me belly laughing at times, something a game hasn't made me do in a while. While Waiting is available now on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Life pauses for no one in While Waiting Gameplay While Waiting begins with a child-friendly and humourous version of conception and birth, which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the game. This sequence introduces the mechani...

10 video games to look forward to in 2025

9Dec

By MikeNo Comments

Features

10 video games to look forward to in 2025

The last couple of years have been strong with hugely popular and successful video games. From Baldur's Gate 3 to Belatro, video games have been excellent and 2025 looks to be no different. I have written about what are shaping up to be the top 10 video games of 2025. Now remember this is just my opinion. Some games may have been overshadowed by the others hence why they don't appear on this list. Or, in my opinion, are less likely to be released in 2025. I have also written these in no particular order. So, let's get into what we're all here for...games! GTA VI As this will probably be the biggest video game of 2025 I figured why not begin with GTA VI. It has been a long time coming, especially since its predecessor came out in 2013. The game centres on Lucia, a newly escaped convict in...

30Sep

By MikeNo Comments

Features

Are Remasters Good for Gamers?

As a gamer in my 30s, I’ve played across several console generations. Remasters tap into that nostalgia and that’s no secret to game developers. Remasters have become more and more prevalent, they’re arguably their genre now. In theory, bringing a classic game to a generation is fantastic if done well and for the right reasons. We’ll examine how much remasters add or subtract from the gaming experience. As well as if the industry has gone overboard and how console technology has influenced remasters. We’ll also look at examples of good and bad remasters to help reach a consensus. Remasters give a second chance at older games Remastered video games are nothing new to the industry, happening as far back as the late 80s. It’s probably more common now, with technology and high-speed in...

12Jun

By Mike1 Comment

PC Reviews

Blockbuster Inc. – PC Review

Blockbuster Inc. is the debut game of developer Super Sly Fox in partnership with publisher Ancient Forge S.A. (The Tenants). I was pleasantly surprised this came from a 3-person team who have added a quality business sim/tycoon game to the genre. The elements of The Sims franchise and the Two Point series especially caught my eye. I was excited to be able to play and review the game and hopefully you are too. Blockbuster Inc. is available now on PC/Steam. Bring your Hollywood dreams to life in Blockbuster Inc. I was excited to play Blockbuster Inc. and it didn't disappoint. Mixing the mechanics of the business simulators with tongue-in-cheek humour at pop culture, you will have an entertaining time. Comment below what you think of the game and what your favourite movie or TV show was...

15Apr

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Shines Over: The Damned – PS5 Review

Shines Over: The Damned (SO: TD) comes from indie developer Juan-Mod Studios (Shines Over series). Published by Firenut Games (Have A Blast), the single-player first-person horror adventure game has supernatural and sci-fi elements. A mysterious event has left the area, possibly the world empty except for the nameless protagonist and his loyal German shepherd companion. SO: TD is the fourth addition to the Shines Over series showing Juan-Mod's penchant for horror and survival games. The game is a PS5 exclusive and is available now. You can also access Juan-Mod Studios' other games on their website. There is no darkness without light in Shines Over: The Damned I hadn't heard of the Shines Over games before but as a horror fan, I was excited to experience it. Comment below what you thin...

Planet Zoo: Console Edition – PS5 Review

10Apr

By MikeNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Planet Zoo: Console Edition – PS5 Review

Planet Zoo: Console Edition is a zoo builder and management sim game where you build a safe space for numerous animals big and small. It was developed and published by the British company Frontier Developments (Planet Coaster, F1 Manager 2023). It is undoubtedly a spiritual successor to Zoo Tycoon and Zoo Tycoon 2, which the team at Frontier brought us. With my review based on the PS5 version the game is also available now on Xbox series X|S. You can check out Kevin's review of the PC version and how it compares. There's a place for all animals big and small in Planet Zoo I was excited to play Planet Zoo as it eventually made its way from PC to consoles after 5 years. Real-life zoos have their share of problems but it did feel nice to (digitally) help conservation for all sorts of ani...