Recente recensies door Arc

Even without thinking that's free game I have to admit it's funny, little city builder. Devs know their job well.

Lovely. Nice atmosphere, nice voice acting, nice music.

What the hell???

Comedy Quest: A Nostalgic Nod to Sierra-Style Adventures

Comedy Quest is a quirky little indie point-and-click game that feels like a love letter to old-school Sierra adventures. If you grew up with games like Space Quest or Leisure Suit Larry, you’ll instantly recognize the humor and style that inspired this one. It’s not a polished masterpiece by any stretch, but it’s a charming experience with a good dose of laughs and a lot of heart.

Gameplay

The mechanics are as simple as it gets: point, click, and interact. You’ll spend most of your time exploring different areas, picking up items, and solving basic puzzles. The controls are straightforward, though they can feel a bit clunky at times. However, if you’re familiar with the quirks of retro adventure games, it’s all part of the charm.

The puzzles aren’t overly complex, but they do require you to think outside the box occasionally. There’s a lot of trial and error involved—classic for games of this genre—so don’t expect everything to make perfect sense right away. The inventory-based problem-solving will make you feel right at home if you’re used to this type of game.

Characters and Story

You play as a struggling stand-up comedian trying to make it big. The game takes you through a series of oddball locations, from dingy comedy clubs to strange suburban streets, all populated with quirky NPCs. These characters are bizarre, stereotypical, and often hilarious. They’re caricatures rather than deep personalities, but that’s clearly intentional—it’s all about playing up the humor.

The story is simple but serves its purpose. It’s not about twists or deep emotional arcs; it’s about setting up scenarios for jokes and satire. Expect plenty of jabs at modern life, pop culture, and the entertainment industry.

Atmosphere and Style

The pixel-art graphics are basic but functional. They’re clearly going for a retro vibe, and while it’s not exactly King’s Quest level of detail, it’s enough to evoke nostalgia. The music is cheerful and goofy, matching the game’s comedic tone, though it can get repetitive after a while.

The humor is the highlight here. It’s silly, self-aware, and occasionally veers into absurd territory. Some jokes hit better than others, but there’s enough variety to keep you entertained. The game isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself or its genre, and longtime fans of adventure games will appreciate the playful nods to the classics.

What I Liked

Nostalgia Factor: It’s like stepping back into the golden age of adventure gaming.
Humor: The jokes might not all be winners, but the game is consistently funny and lighthearted.
Length: It’s short enough to complete in one or two sittings, which keeps it from overstaying its welcome.

What Could Be Better

Pacing: Some sections drag a bit, especially when the puzzles get too reliant on trial and error.
Clunky Interface: The UI isn’t the smoothest, which can make navigation and inventory management feel awkward.
Limited Scope: It’s clearly a small, budget game, so don’t go in expecting a lot of depth or polish.

Final Thoughts

Comedy Quest is a funny, nostalgic little gem that doesn’t try to be more than it is. It’s short, sweet, and scratches that retro adventure itch without taking itself too seriously. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted game with simple puzzles and a lot of laughs, it’s definitely worth a try. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel—it’s more about celebrating what made those old Sierra games special in the first place.

For me, it’s a great way to spend a relaxed afternoon and a nice reminder of why I fell in love with adventure games all those years ago.

Crusaders of the Lost Idols: A Quality Idler with its Own Charm

If you're a fan of idle games, Crusaders of the Lost Idols offers a solid experience. Made by the same team behind Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, it has a lot to live up to—and while it shares some similarities, it also carves out its own identity in the genre.

Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, Crusaders of the Lost Idols is about assembling a team of quirky characters and optimizing their formation for maximum gold and damage output. Each Crusader has unique abilities, and finding the perfect synergy between them is half the fun. It’s not as simple as throwing the strongest ones in a row; the game rewards experimenting with formations that maximize buffs and bonuses.

Progression happens across a variety of campaigns and objectives, each with its own quirks and challenges. While the early game is smooth, later objectives demand more strategic thinking, requiring you to experiment with new Crusaders and upgrade paths. Resetting (or “soft resetting”) for idols, the game’s primary currency, is satisfying and encourages you to keep improving.

Comparison to Idle Champions

Since the developers also created Idle Champions, you can’t help but compare the two. Where Idle Champions leans into its Dungeons & Dragons roots with deep lore and familiar characters, Crusaders takes a lighter, more whimsical approach. The Crusaders are entirely original, ranging from knights and wizards to downright bizarre figures like a panda and a robotic turkey.

The tone is fun and lighthearted, and while the gameplay loop is simpler than Idle Champions, it still feels rewarding. The main difference lies in the mechanics. Crusaders emphasizes formation strategy in a slightly more straightforward way, making it more approachable if you’re looking for something less intricate.

Art and Presentation

The visuals are colorful and clean, and the animations are charming. The Crusaders themselves have a cartoony style that fits the game’s relaxed tone. While it lacks the high-fantasy polish of Idle Champions, it works well for what it is.

The soundtrack and sound effects are pleasant, though not particularly memorable. You’ll probably find yourself muting it after a while and playing in the background while doing something else, which is standard fare for idle games.

Progression and Monetization

Progression is steady, but like most idle games, it slows down as you get further. The game uses a freemium model, offering premium currency and packs for those who want to accelerate their progress or unlock specific Crusaders. However, the monetization isn’t overly aggressive—you can enjoy the game just fine without spending a dime, though patience becomes your greatest ally.

Strengths

Formation Strategy: Optimizing your team setup is engaging and rewarding.
Diverse Crusaders: The quirky cast of characters adds personality and variety.
Frequent Events: Seasonal events keep the game fresh with new Crusaders and objectives.
Solid Idle Loop: The gameplay loop is satisfying, with a good balance of active and passive play.

Weaknesses

Slower Late Game: Like most idle games, the grind becomes more noticeable over time.
Simpler Mechanics: Compared to Idle Champions, some players may find the gameplay less deep.
Repetitive Objectives: Campaigns and events can start to feel similar after a while.

Final Thoughts

Crusaders of the Lost Idols is a charming and well-made idler that stands out for its formation-based gameplay and lighthearted style. While it might not have the depth or D&D appeal of Idle Champions, it’s still a strong entry in the idle game genre. Whether you’re a veteran idler or new to the genre, this game is worth checking out—especially if you’re looking for something that doesn’t demand constant attention but still feels rewarding.

If you liked Idle Champions, you’ll likely enjoy Crusaders too. It’s a great companion piece from the same talented developers, offering a different flavor of idle gaming. For me, it’s a game I’ll keep coming back to whenever I want something relaxing yet engaging.

Emily is Away: A Bittersweet Dive into Nostalgia and Connection

Emily is Away is a small game with a big emotional punch. Set in the era of early 2000s instant messaging, it throws you back into a simpler yet emotionally complex time—your teenage years. The game unfolds entirely through chat windows, where you interact with Emily, a girl you grow increasingly attached to as the years pass. Your choices guide the story, but they also unravel a growing sense of inevitability and loss.

The beauty of Emily is Away lies in its authenticity. The instant messenger format captures the awkwardness and uncertainty of young relationships—flirting, misunderstandings, and moments where you realize you might be saying the wrong thing. As the game progresses, the tone shifts from lighthearted nostalgia to something heavier, as the consequences of your choices start to ripple through the relationship.

The soundtrack of clicking keys, the nostalgia-inducing references, and even the little details like profile pictures and status messages evoke a powerful sense of time and place. But this isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about reflection. By the end, I found myself aching for the connections I’d lost—not just in the game but in real life. It’s like a time capsule that reminds you of who you were and how fragile relationships can be.

What stood out most for me was the game’s portrayal of loneliness. Even as you’re “talking” to Emily, the increasing gaps in communication mirror the real-life drift that happens as we grow up. The game forces you to reflect on choices, missed opportunities, and the pain of watching something beautiful slip through your fingers.

It’s not a long game, but its brevity adds to its impact. You finish it with a heavy heart, a sense of longing, and an appreciation for its simplicity and depth. For anyone who’s ever felt the bittersweet sting of growing apart from someone you once held close, Emily is Away is a must-play.

If you’re looking for something that digs into the emotional core of relationships while capturing the loneliness of modern communication, this “sad, little gem” deserves your attention. It’s short, but it lingers with you—just like the memories of a lost connection.

The thing I appreciate most about this game is its overall atmosphere. The fairytale-like world and relaxing music create a calming experience. Some settings, like the Enchanted Forest, are especially well-designed. While it’s not Unreal Engine 5 quality, the art direction makes up for the technical limitations. I’ve been playing it as a slow-paced, single-player experience without rushing, which works well for the vibe it offers.

The Pay-to-Win Problem

Unfortunately, the game leans heavily on pay-to-win mechanics. Early on, progress feels smooth, with gear drops and XP coming quickly, but it grinds to a halt once you’re out of the initial levels. Gear stops dropping, and you’re quickly underpowered, especially against mobs—those insane respawn rates don’t help. The game subtly (or not so subtly) nudges you toward the in-game shop, but the prices are absurdly high. Temporary mounts cost as much as permanent ones in World of Warcraft! I could spend money here, but I honestly don’t want to because the quality of the game doesn’t justify it.

Questing and Travel Woes

The quests are painfully generic—kill X mobs here, then kill Y mobs in the exact same spot. Unlike more streamlined games where you can stack quests, here you’re forced to travel back and forth repeatedly. It’s reminiscent of WoW Classic, but without conveniences like a permanent hearthstone. Instead, you get one-use teleportation stones, which, unsurprisingly, can be purchased from the shop. The in-game teleports are an option but are outrageously expensive for low-level players—earning 500 gold from a quest but spending over 300 for travel in the same zone feels ridiculous.

Economy and Gear Workarounds

To compensate for the lack of gear drops and low coin rewards, you can gather resources and sell them on the auction house. Even basic materials like lumber in stacks of 100 can fetch around 30,000 gold, though you’ll pay a commission for every sale. With this gold, you can buy gear and upgrades from vendors, which makes progression a bit more bearable.

NPC Clones and Gear Visuals

The laziness in NPC design is hard to ignore. You’ll see the same characters everywhere—sometimes a dozen or more in one location—with only slight changes in hair or faces. It’s immersion-breaking and just plain lazy. Equipping new gear doesn’t change your character’s appearance either, which feels like another corner cut.

Gear Customization and Shop Frustrations

The game allows you to socket gems into gear, which sounds great until you actually try it. After three failed attempts to socket a gem into a weapon—losing both the gems and the gold in the process—I gave up. Predictably, there’s an item in the shop to “reduce the chances of failure.”

Community and Social Aspects

Despite its flaws, the game has a surprisingly active community. There are plenty of Russian players in every zone, running solo or in groups, and the general chat has a fair amount of activity. I’ve even joined a clan, where people chat regularly, though I don’t understand much of it. The community seems to be one of the game’s stronger points, especially if you’re playing with friends. It’s not a great game, but with friends, it could still be fun.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the game is just okay. It has some redeeming qualities, like its atmosphere and active community, but the pay-to-win mechanics, generic quests, and technical frustrations weigh it down. Still, I plan to stick with it and aim for level 60, at which point I’ll compare it to Allods Online, another Russian MMO. For now, it’s free to play, so if you’re curious and don’t mind its flaws, it might be worth a try—but don’t expect too much.

It leaves a great wound in the heart.

Deatiled review:

Narcissu 1st & 2nd – A Story That Will Stay With You Forever

Narcissu 1st & 2nd isn’t just a visual novel; it’s an emotional journey that leaves a profound scar on your heart. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t rely on gimmicks. Instead, it offers a quiet, deeply human tale that speaks to themes of life, death, and the fragile beauty in between. After finishing it, I found myself thinking about its protagonists long after I closed the game, with a heavy, bittersweet feeling lingering over me.

The Story and Protagonists

The game tells two intertwined stories about people facing the reality of their limited time in life. Both chapters—Narcissu and Narcissu: Side 2nd—deal with the hospice experience, exploring the weight of mortality in a way that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The protagonists, whose names and faces may fade, will carve their emotions into your memory. They aren’t just characters; they feel like people you’ve met, ones who you desperately want to reach out to even though you know their fate is sealed. Their dreams, fears, and fleeting moments of happiness make you ache for them. Side 2nd enriches the story by diving deeper into the emotional currents of the first tale, providing a new perspective that enhances the narrative.

Themes and Writing

Narcissu doesn’t shy away from heavy topics: the fear of being a burden, the meaning of dignity, and the question of what makes life worth living when the end is in sight. It’s not preachy or melodramatic; instead, it’s honest and raw, allowing the story to unfold through quiet conversations and reflective silences.

The writing is understated but powerful, painting vivid emotional pictures with minimal exposition. Small details—a passing comment, a shared moment of quiet, a drive down an empty highway—carry a weight that lingers. It’s the kind of storytelling that leaves you feeling hollow in the best possible way, as if the game has taken a piece of you with it.

Presentation and Atmosphere

The visuals are simple, almost stark, but they work perfectly for the tone of the game. Narcissu isn’t about bombastic visuals; it’s about creating a space for the story to breathe. The minimalist backgrounds and subdued colors give the game a dreamlike quality, reinforcing its themes of impermanence and fragility.

The music is hauntingly beautiful, a blend of piano and strings that feels as ephemeral as the story itself. The tracks are perfectly timed, swelling during key moments and falling silent when words alone carry the weight. It’s a soundtrack that stays with you, much like the story.

Gameplay

As a kinetic visual novel, there’s no branching narrative or choices to make. This isn’t a game in the traditional sense—it’s more like reading a beautifully illustrated book or watching a contemplative indie film. For some, the lack of interaction might be a drawback, but for me, it allowed the story to unfold without distractions.

What Makes Narcissu Special

What sets Narcissu apart is how deeply it respects its audience. It doesn’t spoon-feed emotions or manipulate you with cheap drama. Instead, it invites you to sit with its characters, to feel their pain and joys as they face the unthinkable. It’s a quiet, meditative experience, one that leaves a mark on your heart precisely because it doesn’t try too hard.

Final Thoughts

Narcissu 1st & 2nd isn’t an easy story to experience, but it’s a rewarding one. It doesn’t promise happy endings or simple answers, but it offers something far more meaningful: a reminder of the beauty in fleeting moments and the profound connections we make, even in the face of loss.

If you’ve never played a visual novel before, this is an excellent place to start. It’s thought-provoking, deeply nostalgic, and—above all—a testament to how powerful storytelling can be in its simplest form. It’s the kind of game that will leave you staring at the screen long after the credits roll, with a heavy heart and a strange sense of gratitude for having experienced it.

This is not just a game—it’s a wound, a memory, and a gift. I loved it.

I wanted to check this game. But creating tutorial is rocket science for these devs. And that is sad as good tutorial draws players to the game. I started game and only one question came to mind: wtf to do? There are 2 garbage tutorials on youtube with obnoxious music almost so loud as voice of presenter who is rushing to explain game. Yes, rushing. Instead showing slowly gameplay he behaves like he was in hurry to gtfo as fast as possible. Sorry, no.

Art is nice. Board is not.

Totally pay to win. You may check it as the gameplay is nice but without spending money, the wait times of progression are just horrible.

Not to mention these fake chatgpt-style reviews from private accounts with 30 minutes of gameplay praising game with Star Trek or Star Wars comparison; lmao. So obvious fake, maybe Steam should check and remove them.