Tyler Denyer, Author at Thumb Culture

23May

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

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...

1Apr

By Tyler Denyer2 Comments

PC Reviews

Fate Reawakened – PC Review

Fate Reawakened out now on steam, developed by gamigo US Inc. and Tableflip Entertainment AB, and published by gamigo US Inc. and WildTangent, seeks to bring back the beloved FATE series with a fresh coat of paint. With all four games bundled together, improved visuals, and modern enhancements, this release hopes to capture the magic of the original while introducing it to a new generation. Fate Reawakened, maybe we should have let it sleep It’s always exciting to see an older ARPG brought back to life, especially in an era dominated by Path of Exile 2 and Diablo 4. FATE was never the deepest or most complex dungeon crawler, but it had a certain charm—quirky pets, light-hearted adventuring, and a satisfying loot loop. With Fate Reawakened, fans get to relive that experience, but can it h...

28Mar

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Moros Protocol – PC Preview

Moros Protocol is not here to hold your hand. If anything, it’s here to rip it off and beat you over the head with it. Developed by Pixel Reign and published by Super Rare Games, this upcoming roguelite FPS blends the fast-paced brutality of classic shooters with modern procedural chaos. Think Doom meets Dead Space, but pixelated and utterly relentless. We at Thumb Culture got an early preview, and let’s say… we’re already bracing ourselves for the inevitable, repeated deaths. Moros Protocol, The Protocol: Wake Up, Choose Violence You play as Alex, an unfortunate soul who wakes up on The Orpheus, a warship that’s gone from “state-of-the-art military vessel” to “haunted house in space” in record time. The ship is overrun with horrors, and survival is less about heroics and more about m...

13Mar

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Scarlet Hollow – PC Preview

There’s something deeply unsettling about small towns. Maybe it’s how everyone knows your business, or perhaps it’s the sense that you might never leave once you’ve arrived. Scarlet Hollow, developed and published by Black Tabby Games, leans into that creeping dread with a masterful blend of mystery, horror, and pitch, black humour. Best known for Slay the Princess, the indie duo behind Black Tabby Games have crafted another narrative-driven gem where your choices matter, your relationships evolve, and no one is getting out unscathed. With four episodes currently available (out of seven planned) on Steam, Scarlet Hollow is already shaping up to be one of the most immersive experiences in gaming. Scarlet might be Hollow but this game is full of greatness What are you most excited about in...

11Mar

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Augmented Empire – PC Preview

Augmented Empire by Coatsink out on Steam April 16th throws us into the dystopian city of New Savannah, where class divisions are as sharp as a well-maintained katana, and the elite rule from above while the less fortunate scurry below. With a star-studded voice cast, including Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager, Orange is the New Black), Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), and Garrick Hagon (Star Wars: A New Hope, Horizon Zero Dawn). But does it deliver? I was given a two-hour preview window to explore its world, command my ragtag squad, and get a feel for the game's turn-based combat. While I can't give a final verdict, there's much to unpack. Gameplay The story is where Augmented Empire shines, or at least flickers ominously, like a broken streetlamp in a bad part of town. ...

Snezhinka: Sentinel Girls 2 – Switch Review

18Feb

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Switch Reviews

Snezhinka: Sentinel Girls 2 – Switch Review

Publisher and Developer Hinyari9 is back with Snezhinka: Sentinel Girls 2! Out now on Nintendo Switch, this game is a sequel to Marfusha, and this time, the stakes are higher, the taxes are worse, and the violins are sublime. Step into the boots of Snezhinka, a contract employee in a dystopian private military company, fending off waves of robotic foes in a desperate bid to survive, get paid (barely), and maybe, just maybe, find your missing sister. But is this high-tempo shooter a must-play, or does the grind drag it down like an over-taxed pay slip? Snezhinka: Sentinel Girls 2 – 2 Girls 1 Mech Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, I want to hear from you! Are you excited for this one? Are you drawn in by the fast-paced shooting, the cyberpunk-inspired setting, or maybe just the idea...

2Feb

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Switch Reviews

Star Trek Legends – Switch Review

It’s always a pleasure to see Star Trek games hit new platforms. With such a rich universe spanning decades of television and film, there’s plenty of potential for captivating storytelling, tactical battles, and deep exploration. Star Trek Legends, developed by Emerald City Games and published by Qubic Games, attempts to bring all of this to the Nintendo Switch. However, after spending too much time staring at loading screens, I wondered whether my time would have been better spent playing Kobayashi Maru: The Home Edition. Originally a mobile game on Apple Arcade, Star Trek Legends promises a gacha-free experience with many legendary characters to recruit and command. Star Trek Legends – A Not-So-Boldly Going Mobile Port I was genuinely excited to dive into Star Trek Legends, eager to c...