Recent reviews by Scyanide

Still Wakes the Deep is a psychological-horror interactive storytelling experience presented in a linear format. The voice acting, sound design, graphics, and scriptwriting are all excellently executed. While the game's length was shorter than anticipated, the quality of the experience remained consistently high. Drawing from Eldritch Horror and Lovecraftian themes, the unique setting on an oil rig enhances the visual and atmospheric appeal.

Similar to the developer's previous title, Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, I found the lack of player agency frustrating. Additionally, the inclusion of various quick time events (QTEs) as the primary challenge on normal difficulty detracted from the experience. Mechanics like hiding and distractions, which could have added strategic depth, felt underutilized, even on the hardest available difficulty for my first playthrough. As a result, unless you have a personal connection to oil rigs, Lovecraftian horror, or Scottish culture, I would recommend passing on this title.

Balatro: A Roguelike Poker Masterpiece

In the realm of gaming, there exists a term that transcends mere entertainment; it's a concept so profound that it demands attention. Enter "Balatro" – a name whispered among the elite, a game that defies conventional labels and redefines what it means to be truly engrossed in the art of play.

Derived from the Latin word meaning "a jester" or "a buffoon," Balatro is anything but foolish. It's a symphony of strategy and chance, elegantly orchestrated within the confines of a digital deckbuilder. But to reduce Balatro to a mere deckbuilder is to miss the point entirely – it is an experience that transcends genres, a hypnotic journey into the heart of illegal poker hands and adrenaline-fueled gambits.

At its core, Balatro is a roguelike adventure where every hand is a gamble and every decision holds weight. The allure of forbidden poker games beckons, drawing players into a world where discovery and mastery collide. Each card drawn unveils new possibilities, each joker discovered unlocks the potential for outrageous combos that leave even the most seasoned players in awe.

But what truly sets Balatro apart is its ability to captivate, to ensnare the senses and command attention. The gameplay is nothing short of hypnotic – a delicate dance of strategy and chance, where every move is a calculated risk and every victory a triumph of skill. It's a testament to the artistry of game design, a masterpiece crafted with care and precision.

From its sleek visuals to its immersive sound design, Balatro is a feast for the senses. Every pixel is a brushstroke, every note a melody – together, they form a symphony of sights and sounds that transport players to a world where anything is possible.

In conclusion, Balatro isn't just a game – it's an experience. A testament to the boundless creativity of indie developers, it stands as a shining example of what happens when passion meets innovation. So, dear reader, if you dare to challenge your wits and indulge in the forbidden thrill of underground poker, look no further than Balatro. It's a journey worth taking, a game worth savoring, and an experience that will leave you utterly, irrevocably spellbound.

More Golden Idol, exceeded my expectations

Great replay value, satisfying combat, interesting economy design, breathtaking graphics, thoughtful adaption from source material, and lots of polish. My favorite REmake so far. Well done.

The original bullet hell roguelike. Doesn't get better than this for the genre.

High replay value due to the high skill ceiling and diverse array of characters, items, stages, and bosses.

Several times throughout a (500 hour+) playthrough, the game will transform with new challenges to uncover and explore.

Steam achievements are closely tied to progression, with each new unlock having a chance to appear in future runs.

10 / 10 Highly recommend

Engaging puzzler with detective elements that persist between cases. Looking forward to the sequel!

Great VR gun simulator that showcases real weapon systems and mods. Particularly enjoy 'Take and Hold' which is a semi-randomized mode in which the player must assault and capture various locations while spending money to upgrade/acquire new weapons or restore health.

I played on Index

Sam Porter Bridges, keep on keeping on.

Interesting and rewarding gameplay loop combined with thoughtful meta tweaking and bug fixes from devs bring together what could be considered the most successful online horror strategy game for PC.

I normally doesn't like the idle/clicker genre in general, but this is the best idle game I have ever played.

Update: 18217 hours later it's still fun