The saddest part of Dicetiny conforming to the ubiquitous “I know the reference” fanboyism hook is wasting some actually decent, cohesive art assets on parody content [...].

It can be a good 16-bit retro fix for some players, but it works best as a reminder that aesthetics alone can only scratch the surface of what's frequently overlooked as a deeper nostalgia itch.

Imperfect as it is, Guacamelee conjures a too-good-to-pass-up world dead/alive for a metroidvania buff who’s in for something beyond pure mechanics shenanigans.

[…] gut feelings aside, there’s a faint soul to be found under the game’s debris; it’s just that it never quite shines through to the point of fulfilling its promising sparks of life in any front […].

From a promising tactile digital toy, it unfolds as a (light): metroidvania; collectathon; platformer; puzzle; action; highbrow indie title. Unfortunately, for the most part it drags.

"[...] market stuff aside, yes: Marvel Snap breathes some (welcome) fresh air into the genre without simply resting on the strength of the tied-in IP."

[…] may not be the best “value” proposition for such a potential buyer but it’s a solid product, the result of an interesting enough premise that’s well-executed enough to be worth being checked out.

True to the modern “I-understood-that-reference-pun-premise” trope, Dig Dog is still fun and competent while at it.

[...] to the point the levels act like a “pleasure delayer” and ultimately make the comebacks even more enjoyable.