MADiSON

Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult (have to be pretty good at picking up on clues/doing puzzles)

How long to beat the game: A few months

Best parts about the game: The scare factor in this game was legit one of the best I've seen in a horror game. The use of the camera flash to cause jump scares was such a good touch. This is also one of those games that if you turn the camera around sometimes random figures/objects will appear. Not gonna lie though! Some of those clues were difficult to find and some of those puzzles were pretty tough! This is def a fun game to play with someone else so two people can work on the puzzles together. However...much scarier by yourself. I actually remember being a little intimidated to play this game by myself in the dark at my old apartment. I can prob do it now because I don't feel anything anymore and just numb lolllll. I think this had a lot of things you see in your typical horror game, but they did it with finesse? The whole game seemed to be very intentional and was very story driven so even typical horror game elements seemed to have more of a purpose in this game. This is a game I would def play again with someone who has never played (I forgot most of the clues anyways). Maybe I would pick up a bit more on the story since it was a little complex and involved multiple people and timelines. The main story is you are Luca who has been gifted a camera that was previously owned by a serial killer and spooky stuff happens. That freaking white statue got me so many times!

Coffee Talk (1 & 2)

Difficulty: Easy (it's literally just making coffee and talking to guests)

How long to beat the game: You could easily enjoy this whole game in one day, but I played it over a week or two I believe. 

Best parts about the game: This is another super cozy game and I happen to loveeee coffee and live in WA (actually about to move to Seattle!) The pixel graphics of this game is what originally drew me to the game. I think it was a beautifully done game. I love the multiple story lines you can follow throughout the game and all the different combos of drinks you can make with the ingredients. Coffee Talk 2 was equally as good as 1 and I would not be surprised at all if they made a CT 3. There is enough of a fan base, and you can def continue the story of some of the characters. In fact, a completely dialogue-based game is sort of brilliant in that sense. This is one of those games to play when you just want to just sort of zone out and take your time enjoying the characters. Plus, this game is hella inclusive. Not only are there fantasy creatures, but they include LGBTQ characters. This game will always be one of my favorites! 

Lake

Difficulty: Easy

How long to beat the game: A couple weeks?

Best parts about the game: It's super cozy and there literally no parts where you have to actually use your brain. Sometimes that is needed in a game. With that being said I think of this game as more of a palette cleanser before going into a bigger game? Also, the version they made for the Switch was so bad. I played it on my PC and it worked much better (as expected). I like the story of the game, and I like that it's one of those decision matters type of games. Not gonna lie, my little heart was torn between being queer or just having a happy, safe life with Mr. Lumberman (def don't remember his name). It was actually pretty relaxing driving the little mail truck around and looking at the scenery. I hope to one day retire in this little lake town!

 

Crown Trick

Difficulty: Medium-hard

How long to beat the game: 4 monthish? I forgot honestly lol

Best parts about the game: I liked that this game was turn-based in that even the enemies move when your player moves. Another cool thing about the game is that you can utilize certain elements to help counter your enemies. I think some of the levels would have been impossible without that help. The artwork was really adorable and idk...I think this is one of my favorite games because I am such a sucker for tactical games! I love a game where I can take a turn and walk away (although I was pretty glued the whole time). I think it's the addicting aspect of going back to do the same level with a slightly higher chance of winning that does it for people with addictive personalities like me. I'm kind of shocked that I rank this game as one of my favorite games I've ever played...like there wasn't too much story or anything and it was super repetitive, but it was super fun!