Recent reviews by Surplusage

Caravan crew tries to get by in adventure novel x trading sim set in dark fantasy world

What an intellectual sandbox. It requires lots of planning and reading and rewards you with becoming part of its immersive world. The lore is deep; there is an RPG franchise's worth of content here. Fair warning: The game is hard and savescumming is near mandatory.

Three young adult friends navigate queer themes in charming and thoughtful VN bundle

A great intro to mundane issues of transgender persons, such as going to the titular hot springs. There are other themes such as aro-ace and they are all explored in an insightful and relatable way. The cute art and relaxing chiptune/piano music fit perfectly.

Teenage musician goes from cutscene to cutscene in artsy snorer that is best viewed on YouTube

I feel like the creators wanted to make a movie but somehow were forced to make a game. As a result, the solid story about artistic freedom is drowned in hour-long filler sections of trivial platforming and mini-games set to looping generic guitar licks.

Charming grifter kid goes on well-intended petty offence spree in 90s technicolor America

Like rewatching old cartoons, the game feels comforting yet shallow. There is a lot to love here: The characters, the dialogues, the aesthetic, the music. If only there was more to do than lots of pickpocketing and the rare scripted con.

Couple solves puzzles in game based entirely on 90's synth pop song

I'm not aware of other games where the gameplay is a literal interpretation of a 5-minute song. In that sense the game is spot-on. It's a short, lighthearted narrative puzzler with two cool characters, sweet music and lots of 90s nostalgia.

Cute aliens build spaceships for other cute aliens in open-ended puzzle-optimization game

I love the simplicity here: Customers tell you their specifications, you figure out how to build a matching ship while turning a profit. The customer dialogue is warm and cute and the shipbuilding is cold and precise. It's a perfect match.

Staff-bearing figure collects light orbs across various biomes in chill platformer-puzzler

Despite screenshots suggesting otherwise, this is not Journey. It's its own thing: a 3D platformer with mild puzzles, set in a lush peaceful world. I like the mix of (occasionally) stressful platforming and relaxing puzzles that keeps it fresh throughout.

Vigilantes use hologram tech to simulate fights with crime syndicate

This DLC adds a lot to the game. There is a survival mode, 3 new modern characters, 12 new retro characters from SoR 1-3, plus new moves, outfits, weapons. And then there is the pulse-pounding music by Tee Lopes (of Sonic Mania fame) to keep you going.

Space gnome saves home asteroid from starship collision in surreal point & click adventure

This game captures the essence of browser-based adventure games of the 2000s. A whimsical protagonist, neat puzzles and great sound. It is just the perfect mix of cute and relaxing. Plus it's free, so give it a try!

Chain-smoking Investigator solves political murder plot in noir pixel adventure

A solid story-driven detective game: Cool noir vibe, light cyberpunk setting, pretty pixel art, atmospheric jazz/synth music, good voice acting, engaging detective gameplay. I only wish it had chapter select to speed up getting the 8 different endings.