I have to admit, Projected Dreams surprised me in a good way. I never imagined a game where we would use shadow wall projections to solve puzzles; it truly feels like stepping into a childhood memory. You join Senka, a young girl, in recreating shadow puppet silhouettes using toys and household objects. This unravels a bittersweet, wordless family story that spans 50 years. It’s a cozy, wholesome, and stress-free nostalgic experience, though it does have its flaws.

Projected Dreams offers many interesting puzzles

The core gameplay revolves around dragging toys, mugs, boxes and many other objects from shelves onto a table, positioning them in front of a light source to cast shadows that match a silhouette in Senka’s photo album. You will rotate, stack, and sometimes resize objects using mouse, keyboard or controller inputs. The puzzles start simple, such as aligning a single toy to form a rabbit but grow complex with mechanics like dual light sources, “ghost” objects (invisible in shadows), and sticky items that glue pieces together.

Despite some interesting ideas, the game’s physics-based elements are a bit clumsy. Changing the sides of an object you’re holding feels really weird, and it’s slightly frustrating to use arrows for alignment while rotation has a separate button. It’s not terrible, but takes time to get used to. However, the puzzles themselves were super interesting and became more engaging as the game progressed.

My biggest positive is the hint system, accessible on the back of each photo. Some hints did spoil solutions by clearly showing which objects to use. While you’ll rarely need them, there will be times you do get stuck, struggling to find the right solution because some projections look truly weird and it’s hard to tell which objects are needed.

“The game’s physics-based elements are a bit clumsy.”

Environments change as you progress

The game unfolds in an ever-evolving room that mirrors Senka’s life stages (child, teen, and adult). You will also explore the environment to find collectible objects like cassette tapes, which unlock musical snippets, or trinkets that decorate the photo album. However, searching for specific items can be frustrating, as some are hard to spot in cluttered rooms, and the absence of a clear inventory system means you’ll be repeatedly scanning shelves.

Each chapter of the book tells you if you missed any secrets and how many stars you earned; there are three stars per level, which nicely encourages you to get all three instead of just one. Overall, the experience was pleasant and cozy. It didn’t waste your time, and these types of games are approachable to everyone. It was fun to try and find multiple ways to beat a level.

Another great aspect of the game is its graphics, filled with 90s nostalgia, using a soft, colorful palette of pastels. The 2D illustrations in the photo album tell the story with “funny graphics and special adornments”, balancing humor and touching moments. Animations are minimal but effective, and the entire game has a charming cartoonish feel.

“Each chapter of the book tells you if you missed any secrets and how many stars you earned.”

A short experience, but one you’ll finish feeling satisfied with

While Projected Dreams seems easy at first, some puzzles will definitely test your brain. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful, reflective puzzle experience. The game stands out for its effective use of nostalgia, and despite occasional hiccups in physics and controls, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys this genre. In fact, it’s a short experience, likely taking around 3-4 hours to complete, but it’s still a very worthy buy.

Review copy provided by the publisher

4.2

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The IGS Classic Arcade Collection includes three titles from the Knights of Valour series: Super Heroes, Plus, and 2: Nine Dragons, all inspired by the Chinese epic Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Beyond these beat-’em-ups, you can dive into Oriental Legend and its enhanced version Spooky, the wuxia-themed The Gladiator, the run-and-gun shooter Demon Front, and the one-on-one fighter Martial Masters.

The games keep their original content, offering the same feeling from arcades, complete with old visuals and classic sound effects that capture that era’s atmosphere. For easier access, the collection includes player-friendly features like adjustable difficulty settings, welcoming beginners while still challenging veterans. A save-and-load function lets you retry tough parts anytime, ensuring a stress-free experience without losing the arcade’s competitive feel.

Online multiplayer is a great addition, with select titles supporting up to four players in co-op. Friends can team up against tough bosses or compete for high scores on global leaderboards. While the Switch version faced mixed reviews for issues like audio emulation and slowdown, H2 Interactive aims for a smoother PC experience.

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Nikoderiko: The Magical World casts you as Niko and Luna, a pair of treasure-hunting mongooses who stumble upon a mystical island brimming with secrets. Their adventure begins when the villainous Baron Grimbald of the Cobring Gems Company steals an ancient relic, prompting the duo to traverse seven distinct worlds to reclaim it and save the island’s tribes. With its colorful visuals, family-friendly tone, and a soundtrack by legendary composer David Wise (Donkey Kong Country), the game wears its retro influences proudly, blending 2D side-scrolling with 3D segments.

Nikoderiko targets both nostalgic adults who grew up with classic platformers and younger players seeking a lighthearted adventure. It supports singleplayer and couch co-op modes, promising 7-15 hours of gameplay (longer for completionists). But does it stand out in a genre crowded with similar games, or does it merely coast on the coattails of its predecessors?

Simple Yet Charming Story and Atmosphere

The narrative is deliberately straightforward, a staple of the genre it emulates. Niko and Luna’s quest to thwart Grimbald unfolds through brief, voiced cutscenes between worlds, introducing quirky characters like animal allies and eccentric foes. The story doesn’t aim for depth, Grimbald is a corporate snake-man with greedy ambitions but it’s infused with a Saturday-morning-cartoon vibe that suits the game’s tone. Dialogue is playful, with Niko delivering sassy quips while Luna remains the silent partner, a dynamic that nods to classic duos like Banjo and Kazooie.

The real storytelling happens through the environments. The seven worlds like Dry Sea, Magic Wood, Snowland, and more, paint a vivid picture of a once-thriving island now under threat. From sunlit beaches with rickety piers to icy caverns with geysers, each biome bursts with personality. The pixel-inspired art style, rendered in a crisp 2.5D aesthetic, evokes the SNES and PlayStation eras, with dynamic lighting and detailed sprites that pop on modern displays.

David Wise’s soundtrack is a major asset, weaving playful melodies with atmospheric undertones. Tracks like the upbeat jungle themes or the chilly Snowland motifs echo his Donkey Kong Country work without copying it outright. While not every tune is a standout, the music enhances the mood, making even repetitive sections more tolerable. Sound effects like crunching footsteps, clattering coins, and mount-specific noises add a tactile layer, though the voice acting, while charming, can feel uneven, with some lines coming out awkwardly.

Familiar Gameplay with Fresh Twists

Nikoderiko is a hybrid platformer, blending 2D side-scrolling with 3D chase sequences. You guide Niko (or Luna in co-op) through levels packed with platforming staples: jumps, swings, slides, and ground pounds. The controls are simple: jump, attack, glide with a parasol, and wall-jump yet they carry a slight jankiness that recalls older games. Movement feels snappy but not as fluid as modern peers like Astro Bot, with occasional stickiness in wall-jumps or imprecise slides that can lead to unintended deaths.

Levels are structured around a world map, unlocking sequentially as you progress. Each stage offers a mix of linear traversal and light exploration, with collectibles like N-I-K-O letters, purple diamonds, and coins scattered throughout. Hidden bonus rooms, tasking you with collecting stars or defeating enemies in 60 seconds, add a Donkey Kong Country-style challenge, while secret paths reward you with extra loot. The game’s pacing varies: some levels are fast, others drag with overly long gauntlets, and checkpoints can be stingily spaced, forcing replays of tricky sections.

What sets Nikoderiko apart is its mount system. You collect orbs to summon animal buddies, Boaris the Boar, Todd the Toad, Oceanis the Seahorse, and Dino the Dinosaur, each with unique abilities. Boaris charges through enemies, Todd leaps high and spits venom, Oceanis swims and shoots lasers, and Dino chomps foes to spit them back out. These mounts can unlock new paths or combat options, adding a layer of replayability.

Charming Echo of the Past

Combat is basic but functional, with a kick attack for melee and throwable barrels or TNT for ranged foes. Enemies range from porcupines requiring frontal slides to burly foremen needing heavy hits, offering mild variety. Bosses punctuate each world, from a frying-pan-wielding outback chef to a swamp flower with toxic tendrils. These fights are decently designed, requiring three to six hits across one or two phases.

Most bosses rely on projectile dodging and melee openings, with little environmental interaction beyond the Volcano Golem’s barrels. They’re fun and satisfying to beat, yet they lack the ingenuity of Cuphead’s curveballs or Astro Bot’s gimmicks. Nikoderiko feels like a spiritual cousin to Crash, capturing its spirit without matching its polish or iconic status. It’s gentler and more varied thanks to mounts and co-op, but it lacks Crash’s razor-sharp design and technical finesse.

The variety in the game keeps things fresh visually, but mechanically, the worlds lean on familiar tropes without pushing boundaries. Traps and hazards rarely evolve beyond “jump here, avoid that,” and the linear map limits exploration compared to sprawling designs like Super Mario Odyssey. Still, the cohesion and charm make each world memorable, even if they don’t reinvent the wheel.

A love letter to classic platforming games

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is a delightful throwback that nails the feel of a ‘90s platformer without rewriting the rulebook. Its vibrant worlds, catchy music, and endearing characters make it a joy to play, especially with a friend on the couch. The mount system add a sprinkle of freshness, but the game’s reliance on familiar tropes and occasional roughness hold it back from true greatness. It doesn’t really redefine the genre, but rather keeps things simple and fun.

For fans of Donkey Kong Country or Crash Bandicoot, it’s a no-brainer at its budget-friendly price, offering a cozy hit of nostalgia with enough polish to stand out among indie peers. Newcomers or casual players may find its quirks less endearing, but its accessibility and charm make it a solid pick for all ages. If anything, I recommend getting this game on the discount.

Review copy provided by the publisher

4

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Under the Island brings back the magic of childhood and the charm of 90s Saturday morning cartoons, offering an expansive RPG experience focused on exploration and freedom. The game highlights the excitement of uncovering hidden corners, solving mysteries, defeating villains, and stumbling upon strange treasures. The story follows Nia, a girl who moves to the remote Seashell Island due to her family’s work. After a series of mishaps and a rough start, Nia meets Avocado, a reserved local teenager whose cautious nature clashes with her bold and impulsive personality.

Beyond solving puzzles, you’ll encounter a variety of characters, each with their own story. Under the Island offers an exciting journey through a vibrant island world, featuring at least six different biomes that change based on the time of day and weather conditions. These dynamic environments, along with engaging character interactions, create a rich and immersive experience.

The game features music composed by Miyoko Takaoka, a legendary composer and sound designer known for her work on classics such as Ys, Sonic The Hedgehog, Granstream Saga, and Terranigma. Additional music is provided by Edward Marianukroh, known for his contributions to Chained Echoes.

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Set in the year 1993, Elroy and the Aliens follows the story of Elroy, a rocket engineer living in Slope City, as he investigates the disappearance of his archaeologist father, who vanished 18 years ago. Accompanied by Peggie, a local journalist with a passion for languages and history, Elroy embarks on a cosmic adventure across two sprawling planets to unravel the truth behind his father’s fate.

The game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and an engaging narrative. Along the way, you will encounter an array of colorful human and alien characters while navigating through more than 60 hand-drawn locations. With dangers lurking, including the schemes of a troubled mayor, the stakes grow higher as the journey evolves into a mission with world-saving implications.

Elroy and the Aliens offers multiple endings, putting you in charge of the outcome of this epic tale. Its 2D hand-drawn art style, original music, and fully voiced characters evoke a sense of 90s nostalgia, drawing inspiration from iconic adventure games by LucasArts and Sierra, as well as franchises like Indiana Jones and Stargate.

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