Tyler Denyer, Author at Thumb Culture

27Oct

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Becastled – PC Review

Every so often, a new real-time strategy game pops up to remind us that the genre still has a pulse, and a damn good one at that. With Becastled (out now on Steam, GOG, Xbox, Switch, and Playstation), developer Mana Potion Studios and publisher Pingle Studio Ltd bring us something refreshingly earnest: a medieval city-builder that fuses cosy creativity with nightly chaos. It’s rare to see a new RTS try something different these days. Between massive 4X empires and military micromanagement simulators, few dare to find that sweet spot between Age of Empires’ depth and Kingdom Two Crowns’ immediacy. But Becastled gives it a proper go, and it’s good to see someone still flying the RTS flag in 2025. Becastled - Be Crowned It’s heartening to see a small team take risks in a genre often dominat...

16Oct

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

PC Reviews

Dicealot – PC Review

There’s something about dice in video games that always gets my heart rolling. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of tabletop games, maybe it’s the thrill of chance, or maybe it’s just that sound when a perfect roll hits the table and you know fortune’s finally decided to stop mocking you. Whatever it is, Dicealot out now on Steam by Goodview Games, published by Yogscast Games, leans all in on that satisfying roll. Dicealot a lot of dice, a lot of rolls It’s genuinely great seeing Yogscast continue their support for quirky indie gems. They’ve built a bridge between creators and gamers that feels refreshingly genuine, and Dicealot fits that ethos perfectly. With a charming, risk-filled romp through Camelot where luck, logic, and laughter all share the same pint. Tell us in the comments below which ...

Class of Heroes 3 Remastered – Switch Review

15Sep

By Tyler DenyerNo Comments

Switch Reviews

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...