Paul, Author at Thumb Culture

3Aug

By PaulNo Comments

Toodee and Topdee Review

After cutting their teeth in a dozen game jams, dietzribi make their first commercial release with Toodee and Topdee. Having originally been a product of a game jam with the theme 'Combine two incompatible genres', Gonen and Ori decided to expand on the project and formally release it. Every once in a while a game comes out that does something new and you instantly think, 'How has no one tried this before?'. This is certainly one of those occasions. The story starts by explaining the creation of the universe. In the beginning, there was only Aleph. Aleph was a master of a special language that can turn words into worlds. He creates 8 worlds, balanced and kept safe by the mystical semi-colon. As he is filling the worlds with life, Glitches begin to appear. Toodoo, Alpeh's assistant, is c...

3Aug

By PaulNo Comments

PC Reviews

Song of Farca Review

Song of Farca is the second game by developer Wooden Monkeys, following Save Koch. Instantly you can tell that they've built upon the style of game they created with Save Koch for this new release. What they've brought to us here is a 2D story-driven hacker sim with plenty of puzzles and choices to make along the way. You play private investigator Isabella Song, or Izy, as she starts to rebuild her career after spending a stint in jail. You'll meet a number of interesting, recurring characters as a multi-threaded narrative weaves together and the consequences of your actions take shape. Black Mirror-esque themes emerge in a world where technology and corporations rule. Join me below as I take a deeper look at Song of Farca. Song of Farca - Can She Hack It? Yes, She Can Having grown up pl...

31Jul

By PaulNo Comments

News & Updates

Annapurna Interactive Showcase

Annapurna Interactive's first direct showcase brought news of brand new titles and partnerships, along with updates on already announced or released games. Known for being an indie game publishing powerhouse, they've been involved in past titles such as What Remains of Edith Finch, Outer Wilds, and more recently, Last Stop. Join me as I take a look at all the news down below. Annapurna Interactive Showcase - 29th July 2021 Before we get into the content, what's your favourite Annapurna Interactive title so far? Personally, I adore Sayonara Wild Hearts so if you've not given that a go yet I highly recommend it. Leave your comments at the end of the article and let's chat about Indie Games! New Titles and Partnerships A Memoir Blue The first of two new games to be revealed was A Memoir ...

16Jun

By PaulNo Comments

News & Updates

Wholesome Direct 2021 Highlights

Wholesome Direct is a non-profit showcase run by Wholesome Games where volunteers curate games that they find to be particularly positive, thoughtful, uplifting, or cozy. I look forward to these showcases the most each time they are announced and this year's E3 presentation was no different. 75 games in total were shown in some way and I've picked out 10 of them below to give you the trailer and a brief description. Many more of the games deserve attention though, so make sure you stop by the Wholesome Direct website for a full run down and links to each game. Wholesome Direct 2021 Highlights Bird Problems Developer: Lithic Entertainment Inc Publisher: Lithic Entertainment Inc Platforms: PC (Steam) Social Anxiety Simulator, sorry I mean Bird Problems, opened the show this year ...

14Jun

By PaulNo Comments

News & Updates

Guerrilla Collective Day 2 Highlights

June 12th saw the return of the Guerrilla Collective showcase for a second year. This show aims to shine a light on projects from indie developers that may not get as much attention as their AAA counterparts. Just over 40 game were shown during the event with even more shown off on Day 1. I've picked out my 10 favourites from Day 2 to quickly speak about below and included their trailer. Make sure to check out the Guerrilla Collective site for links to all the games shown during their 2 shows. Guerrilla Collective Day 2 Highlights Arietta of Spirits Developer: Third Spirit Games Publisher: Third Spirit Games Platforms: PC (Steam), Switch, Playstation, Xbox A classic-looking top-down action RPG complete with a character-driven story and fast-action combat. Play as Arietta as a f...

28May

By Paul1 Comment

PlayStation Reviews

Beautiful Desolation Review

Beautiful Desolation is a story-rich, 3rd person, sci-fi adventure. Developed by THE BROTHERHOOD and published on Switch and PS4 by Untold Tales. The game was also self-published by the developers on Steam in Feb 2020. It features point-and-click mechanics, branching conversations, choices, and lots of exploration. The gameplay has a relaxed, slow pace to it, that allows you to really soak into the atmosphere and story. Beautiful Desolation - I bless the game down in Africa When I think of games that focus a lot on the narrative rather than being packed full of action it's things like Telltale games and Life is Strange. What are some of your favourite story-heavy games? Let us know below in the comments! Also, if you do like games that focus a lot on telling a story, you can check out my...

24May

By PaulNo Comments

PC Reviews

Erica PC Review

Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and originally released as a Playstation 4 exclusive, Erica, an interactive thriller film, is now available on PC. Falling somewhere between a video game and a film, this feels like an evolution of the visual novel genre. I'd say the mechanics are somewhere between Bandersnatch and a Telltale game. Let's dig in and see what Flavourworks have cooked up for us. Erica - You're my butterfly, sugar baby Have you played many full-motion video games? It's probably not many people's favourite genre. What do you think these games could do to boost their profile and appeal? Leave a comment below with your thoughts. Gameplay Erica opens with a scene where she and her father are discussing Erica's mother. Here we learn that her mother and father met ...

Out of Line Preview – Sharp Visuals, Sharper Puzzles.

28Apr

By PaulNo Comments

PC Reviews, Previews & Early Access

Out of Line Preview – Sharp Visuals, Sharper Puzzles.

Out of Line is an upcoming 2D side-scrolling puzzle game developed by Nerd Monkeys and published by Haninh Games. It is due out on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch this year. Playing through the preview the game gave me Inside/Limbo vibes in a big way. I dare say that if you enjoyed those games, this is going to be a must-play for you when it releases. Out of Line - Exploring, San's memory. Play as San as he attempts to escape the factory he once called home. Judging from the trailer, the story will revolve around uncovering memories and discovering the truth about who you are as you journey eventually, hopefully, to freedom. Gameplay In Out of Line, San's primary talent is a spear throw. Along with the standard sideways movement and jump, your puzzle-solving is achieved via a combo o...

2Apr

By PaulNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

It Takes Two Review – Co-Op At Its Best

It Takes Two is the latest game from developer Hazelight Studios who previously brought us Brothers and A Way Out. It is a strictly co-op only game where communication and collaboration are absolutely essential for progression. Hazelight has taken their formula from A Way Out, refined it, and amplified it by 100! Cody and May are a couple with a young daughter, Rose. After overhearing the couple talk about getting a divorce, Rose gets upset and cries while holding hand-made doll representations of her parents. When the tears hit the dolls, a spell is cast and May and Cody's minds are transported into the dolls. Now they must work together with the guidance of 'Love Book' Dr Hakim to get back to Rose and return to their bodies. It Takes Two - But It Gives So Much More My partner an...

Signs of the Sojourner Review – Say Your Cards Right

26Mar

By PaulNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Signs of the Sojourner Review – Say Your Cards Right

Signs of the Sojourner is a narrative deck-building game developed by Echodog Games. It was originally released on PC in May 2020 and is now available on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch as of March 2021. Travel with a caravan of people, visiting different towns, having conversations, and building relationships as you go. Your town is in danger of being removed from the caravan's route due to a lack of attractive business there. Can you save your town's prospects? Signs of the Sojourner - A Little More Conversation, A Little Less Action Please Here we have another indie game shaking up gameplay mechanics, turning conversations into card matching strategy. What games have you played recently that try something fresh and new in this sort of way? Let us know below, I'd love to check them out! Gam...