Tyler Denyer, Author at Thumb Culture

Class of Heroes 3 Remastered – Switch Review

15Sep

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Class of Heroes 3 Remastered – Switch Review

Dungeon crawlers are an acquired taste, but sometimes the allure of a long-lost Japanese gem is too tempting to ignore. Class of Heroes 3 Remaster, developed by Acquire Corp and published in the West by PQube, is one of those titles. Long stranded in Japan since its original PSP/PS3 release, this remaster out now on Nintendo Switch and Steam finally lets us enrol in Preciana Institute, Draken Academy or Takachiho College and experience the quirky, grind-heavy world our friends in Japan have known for over a decade. Class of Heroes 3 Remaster - Just missed the Master Grade The real magic here is seeing games that were once locked away in Japan finally crossing the seas. It’s exciting to watch these once-region-bound titles get a second life in the West. Have you ever longed for a favourit...

8Sep

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PlayStation Reviews

Maki’s Adventure – PS5 Review

Developed by ZoroArts and published by EastAsiaSoft, Maki's Adventure is a bite-sized platformer that blends classic side-scrolling action with clever mechanics and heartfelt design. It’s a short but engaging adventure that encourages exploration and experimentation, whether you’re dashing across islands or slicing through shadowy demons. With some ideas polished to perfection and others rough around the edges, you can’t help but root for the developer even more. Here at Thumb Culture we reviewed the PC Release; and now we return with a review for the PlayStation release. Maki's Adventure - Maki a big splash Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the idea of shapeshifting into a shark mid-jump? We’re all in for that, and we’d love to hear about your favourite shapeshifting characters in the c...

2Aug

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

The King Is Watching – PC Review

Hypnohead, the quirky minds behind The King Is Watching (out now on Steam), have teamed up with publishing powerhouse tinyBuild to deliver a truly unusual blend of strategy, roguelite and pixel-art kingdom micromanagement. In this kingdom, the King's literal Gaze decides what can exist, function, and survive. But what caught our eye (pun intended?) is an adorable duck with glasses. He takes over to advise during the tutorial and the first time doing new maps, but unfortunately, that is all you see of him. The King Is Watching — Let's hope he is entertained. So, before we dive into the meat of the review, drop your favourite King—real or fictional—in the comments. We want to know whether it's King Arthur, Dedede, or King Julian. Because the King may be watching, but we're reading. Ga...

28Jul

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

Let Them Trade – PC Review

City builders can often be an overwhelming juggling act of spinning plates and spreadsheet economics, but Let Them Trade tosses that stress out the castle window and invites you into a cosy world of carved wooden cuties and economic hijinks. Developed by Spaceflower and published by ByteRockers' Games, the game is out now on Steam, This Game Is Well Made So - Let Them Trade With its whimsical tone, charming visuals, and intuitive gameplay, it's hard not to smile, even when bandits are cheekily robbing your merchant carts. But what really sets Let Them Trade apart? The king doesn't rule alone. No, his most trusted advisor is an adorably smug squirrel named Mr. Nuts, who perches loyally on his shoulder and, frankly, steals every scene he's in. So before you read on, tell us: who's your fa...

19Jun

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

The Book of Aaru – PC Review

The Book of Aaru, out now on Steam, starts strong; you get to play as a cat. A CAT! With slow-mo time powers in a glowing Egyptian sci-fi tomb. Say what you want about the game’s bugs (and we will), when a game lets me roleplay as a cursed feline adventurer in an ancient, future labyrinth, I’m in. Developed and published by Amenti Studios, The Book of Aaru pitches itself as a roguelite in the style of Hades and Curse of the Dead Gods, with destructible environments, time manipulation, and multiweapon combat. It’s a bold entry from a passionate indie team, blending Egyptian mythology with cosmic tech and feline acrobatics—but does it land on its feet? The Book of Aaru needs more than just a rewrite. Let’s hear it! What’s your favourite game where you play as an animal? Bonus points for ob...

17Jun

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

PaperKlay – PC Review

PaperKlay, out now on Steam, developed and published by the one-dev studio WhyKev, is precisely the sort of passion project that aims to showcase its creativity. It is a 3D platformer collect-a-thon where the world is stitched together from cardboard, paper, clay and the kind of materials you might find in a Year 3 art cupboard after a particularly chaotic lesson. And we mean that in the most loving way. Here to stay or one for the shredder? It is fantastic to see games like PaperKlay embracing bold, unconventional art styles. They might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they make the gaming landscape far more colourful and creative. So, we want to hear from you. What is the most unique-looking game you have ever played? Drop it in the comments below and let us celebrate those visual gem...

23May

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

Frog Legs – PC Review

There's something delightful about games that lure you in with pixelated innocence before launching you face-first into the existential horrors of frog-based trauma. Frog Legs, developed and published by the wonderfully twisted mind of Elliott Dahle (yes, the same person behind The Man in the Park), does exactly that. What starts like a cute 8-bit Frogger-esque jaunt quickly devolves into a surreal, dimension-hopping horror comedy with no business being this entertaining. Frog Legs – From Hops to Shots in 40 Minutes Flat It's refreshing to see indie titles like Frog Legs blend dimensions, tones and gameplay styles while telling a funny and disturbing little story. We need more bold, bonkers games like this in the world. Do you have a favourite indie horror that deserves the spotlight? Dr...

28Apr

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

Maliki: Poison of the Past – PC Review

Developed by Blue Banshee and published by Ankama Games, Maliki: Poison of the Past sets out to wrap turn-based battles, cosy farming, and anime wit into one delightful chibi-styled package. But does it deliver a timeless experience or leave you lost in the continuum? Let us jump into the Domaine and find out! Maliki: Poison of the Past – This game has the cure! Before we begin, if you're a sucker for beautiful blends of 3D chibi models and hand-drawn animated cutscenes, trust me, Maliki: Poison of the Past is an absolute feast for the eyes. The combination is simply lovely and oozes charm from every pixel! If you want to grab this game, you have until 6th May to take advantage of the Introductory discount on Steam. Gameplay You play as Sand, a time-hopping hero armed with a Chrono Pac...

18Apr

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

Pilo and the Holobook – PC Review

There’s something truly magical about diving into a new world. Pilo and the Holobook, out now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Switch, invites you to do just that. Developed by Mudita Games and published by RedDeer Games, this exploration-based adventure swaps swords for stickers and combat for curiosity. Set across a mesmerising, hand-painted galaxy, the game follows Pilo, an apprentice explorer armed with nothing, but a Holobook and a big heart, as they document the wonders of the universe and tackle a creeping corruption known as the Tar. What unfolds is a peaceful, creative journey that encourages discovery, observation, and empathy—perfect for players who want a break from endless battles and high-octane mayhem. This book is worth putting stickers in I was excited to play this becau...

10Apr

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

Crashlands 2 – PC Review

It’s not every day you crash-land into a sequel brewing in the shenanigan-shaped minds of Butterscotch Shenanigans. Crashlands 2 brings back our favourite intergalactic trucker, Flux Dabes; now older, wiser, and more than a bit crispy from corporate burnout. After a morally questionable marketing stint with the Bureau of Shipping, Flux returns to the alien planet Woanope for some R&R. Naturally, that idea lasts all of five seconds before chaos erupts, and you’re nose-deep in alien flora again. Now, before you get flashbacks of freezing in Don’t Starve Together, let me reassure you: Crashlands 2 is like the cosy, weird cousin who shows up with biscuits and chaos. It’s a survival game, sure, but with fewer existential crises and more synthwave glick-glicks. Let’s dive into this surv...