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lord of the rings fellowship of the ring trick-taking game

The Lord of the Rings: Trick-Taking Game Review – A Brilliant Cooperative Card Game That Cleverly Gets Harder – 4.5/5

The Lord of the Rings: Trick-Taking Game takes a familiar card-game structure and wraps it in a cooperative narrative tied directly to the events of The Lord of the Rings. At its core, this is a cooperative trick-taking game where players work together to complete specific objectives across a series of chapters. If you’ve played modern cooperative trick-takers before, especially The Crew, you’ll immediately understand what this game is aiming for.

The result is an approachable, thematic, and gradually challenging experience that works best with a full table, even if it has a few quirks along the way.

Unlock

Unlock! Supernatural Adventures Board Game Review – 4.5/5

Unlock! Supernatural Adventures is a standout entry in the Unlock series, delivering three creative escape-room-in-a-box scenarios with supernatural and mythological themes. From futuristic mystery in Nova City to the symbolism of Dia de los Muertos and the epic challenge of Ragnarök, this box showcases exactly why Unlock remains my favourite puzzle game series. Clever card-based puzzles, smart phone app integration, and well-scaled difficulty make this an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys escape rooms or solving puzzles together.

Harvestella

Harvestella – A Surprisingly Cozy, Low-Stress JRPG Farm Sim That Respects Your Time – 4.5/5

Harvestella is a rare blend of JRPG storytelling and farming simulation that succeeds largely because it removes stress from the equation. While many games in this genre rely on strict schedules, missable content, and constant time pressure, Harvestella takes a different approach: it lets you play at your own pace.

There’s always something to do—whether that’s farming, exploring dungeons, progressing the main story, or tackling side quests—but almost nothing feels urgent in a negative way. Quests don’t time out, characters wait patiently for you, and the game never makes you feel like you’ve “failed” by choosing the wrong activity on a given day.

It’s cozy, welcoming, and consistently engaging, even if it has a few rough edges.

Cosmic Coliseum

Cosmic Coliseum – A Promising Roguelite Held Back by Bugs – 3/5

Cosmic Coliseum is a game that left me conflicted. At its core, it’s a genuinely fun roguelite with smooth combat, satisfying upgrades, and that addictive “one more run” energy. The problem is that patch 1.1 still has enough bugs to seriously disrupt progression. In my case, some quests simply could not be completed, which eventually hard-stopped my progress.

That’s the most frustrating part: I wanted to keep playing. I wasn’t burned out or bored—I just couldn’t move forward anymore. When a roguelite blocks progression due to bugs, it undercuts the entire loop the genre relies on.

When it works, Cosmic Coliseum is enjoyable and mechanically solid. When it breaks, it turns what should be a satisfying grind into an unpleasant experience.

Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece – A Rare, Fully Connected RPG Saga – 4.5/5

Playing Kingdom Hearts Integrum Masterpiece as a complete collection is one of the most rewarding RPG experiences I’ve had. I played the series in release order, and I’m very glad I did. Playing chronologically would have spoiled reveals and weakened the impact of several story beats. Release order provides natural explanations, better pacing, and satisfying “aha” moments where earlier mysteries finally click.

It’s rare to find an RPG series where every game matters. Kingdom Hearts commits to long-form storytelling in a way very few franchises do. Plot threads, characters, and emotional payoffs span decades of releases. By the end, the payoff feels earned.

The Disney connection is surprisingly effective. It adds nostalgia and charm without undercutting the seriousness of the main story. If anything, this series made me want to dive deeper into other Square Enix RPGs.

elden ring shadow of the erdtree cover picture

Elden Ring – Shadow of the Erdtree: A Stunning but Savage Return to Elden Ring’s World – 3.5/5

I’d poured many hours into Elden Ring and felt like I had finally earned a break. And then Shadow of the Erdtree dropped. Of course, I couldn’t resist diving back in.

The DLC does exactly what a great expansion should: it builds on what the base game already did well. It opens up a vast new region, rich with secrets and designed to push your curiosity to its limits. Exploration is just as rewarding—and dangerous—as ever.

Elden Ring logo glowing above a dark, misty fantasy landscape.

Elden Ring – A Stunning, Overwhelming Masterpiece of Freedom and Chaos – 4/5

I went into Elden Ring cautiously optimistic. I had heard so much about its punishing difficulty and vague storytelling, and I honestly wasn’t sure it would be for me. But after diving in, I found myself completely hooked. It’s a sprawling, mysterious world that both amazed and overwhelmed me.

There’s a kind of magic in how Elden Ring refuses to hold your hand. It rewards curiosity and punishes recklessness—and somehow, I kept coming back for more. Even when I wasn’t playing, I was thinking about where I wanted to go next.

Balatro – The Overhyped Deckbuilder That Left Me Disappointed – 2.5/5

I went into Balatro expecting something special. The buzz around it was loud—people were calling it one of the most addicting indie games in recent memory. And on paper, it sounded perfect for me. I enjoy both roguelikes and deckbuilders. I loved Slay the Spire, so this seemed like a sure win.

final fantasy vii rebirth main picture

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth – A Bigger, Bolder, and Better Chapter – 4/5

After finishing Final Fantasy VII Remake, I had high hopes—but also a bit of hesitation—for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. I’m happy to say I enjoyed this one more. It took everything the first part did well and expanded it—literally. Having access to the world map and being able to explore more of Gaia really made the experience feel closer to the original FF7, just with a modern twist.

Promotional image of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade featuring main characters standing on a rooftop overlooking Midgar at sunset

Final Fantasy VII Remake – A Modern Reimagining with Mixed Combat Feelings – 3/5

I grew up on the original Final Fantasy VII, and like many fans, it holds a nostalgic place in my heart. So when Final Fantasy VII Remake was announced, I was excited—hopeful even. And while the updated visuals and deeper character moments were a joy to experience, the overall game left me with some mixed feelings.