Recent reviews by Glitch

Developed by Bossa Studios and released on steam in 2013, Surgeon Simulator is a combination of a physics centric and simulation of sorts with controls that are intentionally floaty.

As the name of the game suggests, you play as a surgeon performing different surgeries in different places and your main objective is to keep the patients alive. The main challenge comes from the blood loss, that acts as constant countdown (but there are ways to slow it down) but the different locations present other hurdles to overcome, like a constantly moving ambulance.

The surgeries are taken in a comedic tone, and you can use all tools available, from traditional scalpels, bone saws, and even hammers in an effort to decrease blood loss and time spent in each surgery.

There are many secrets and fun things to do, other than the surgeries, most are hinted by the achievements, that can act as a guide finding these special activities.

Controlled using the keyboard and mouse, you can rebind the keys, but that won’t remove the floaty controls, which are intentionally made. The keyboard controls the opening and closing of fingers, while the mouse controls the hand movement, the left button the lowering of the hand and the right button the rotation of the hand. In a way this game is like a twisted claw machine, with organs and tools.

Although this game doesn’t allow for online multiplayer, with a friend in the same room this game is an amazing experience. No bigger fun than laughing together from failed attempts blaming the controls, until those just start to make sense, and the surgery changes and the cycle starts over.

Either way, alone or with a friend, this game has a lot to offer so I can easilly recommend it.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

Developed by a single developer with the first demo published in late 2024, Toward Dawn is a top down, turn based, story focused role-playing game.

As the time of writing, a new demo version was published, with more of the game fleshed out with voice acting and refined combat system.

With stylized graphics, the game is presented in an almost top-down vision, with random enemy encounters occur. The battle sequences have a respectful inspiration on older roleplaying games like the classical Phantasy Star games and even a touch of Chrono Trigger, where attacks, item use and special powers are selected and those affect the timing of attack of enemies.

A big focus of the game is the story inspired by Welsh mythology, and is a refreshing take on a source not often seen in games. With a voice cast that includes Welsh actors, the characters are given life allowing a bigger immersion, along with well written script.

The game can be controlled both by using keyboard and mouse, and controller. The turn-based combat also allows for a more controlled and thought-out choice of actions.

Another system present in game is a crafting one, whereby collecting items acquired both in the open world and as rewards after defeating enemies, new items, weapons and armor can be created. As more battles are fought, and experience gained, leveling up allows for further customization of the character by upgrading abilities and special attacks.

Care can be seen throughout the game, and that attention to details can also be seen in the menu, where a codex that not only explains the characters, but also the mythological inspirations that led to their creation, and even a guide on how to pronounce their names, a small but welcomed touch.

Although not on its final release form, this game shows great promise and is a special experience seeing the evolution not only of the game, but the developer. For those reasons I highly recommend this demo, while waiting for the full release to experience the unique story.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

Initially released in 1993, the 7th Guest is an interactive movie/point and click adventure game with heavy use of full motion video and pre-rendered backgrounds. Developed by Trilobyte Games, published by Virgin Interactive, and now MojoTouch, this version was released on Steam in 2019. Alongside games like Myst, 7th guest was important in the use of CDs as a medium for game distribution.

After a brief intro describing the path of a drifter turned murderer and eventually toy maker, the player gains control, in a first-person perspective, of a person exploring a strange mansion, filled with puzzles, secret passages, a maze, and ghosts of previous guests. Using the mouse to control the movement and interacting with the environment and puzzles, the player slowly gains access to cutscenes to stitch together the story and pick up clues to complete the puzzles.

Ranging from straight forward to incredibly obtuse, the puzzles block paths and progression, but are presented in a way that allow for repetition in case of failure without consequence and exploration.

Revolutionary for its use of not only CDs, full motion video but also 3D pre-rendered backgrounds, this version contains a “making of” short video, the original script and novel, both in epub format, soundtrack, deleted scenes, the original manual, and the Stauf files, that bring more background information for the game. All these files are available on the “extras” folder in the game’s folder.

Some aspects of this game look and feel (even though it’s a completely subjective point) dated with today’s standards of modern adventure games, but once we consider the age of the game and its importance to the ever-evolving gaming media, 7th guest is a game I highly recommend.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

Developed and published by LucasArts in 1989, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a traditional point and click adventure game, with inventory-based puzzles, developed using the SCUMM engine. The game comes with a digital manual that serves as a background material to set the player in the universe of the game.

Following similar story beats as the movie with the same name, your main objective is to guide Indy in his quest to find the holy grail. Different from more traditional point and click adventure games, there are different ways to solve some puzzles, but most depend on the exploration and interaction with the environment, if not some familiarity with the movie.

Interacting with the game is achieved using the mouse and choosing “verbs” from a list in the bottom of the screen. Initially this process may be confusing, but there are hotkeys that correspond to those verbs that may help making the game easier to navigate. Indy not only solves inventory-based puzzles, but also more action segments are present, which are controlled using the numpad.

Customizing aspects such as text speed and even full screen mode is achieved using specific key combinations. One I find is particularly important is alt+s that switches the graphic smoothing, that made the text easier to read.

Throughout the game the player is awarded points, named in game as Indy Quotient (IQ), that are summed up and presented in the end of the game as a score, possibly a product of the time this game was developed.

Being able to experience this adventure game one has to be aware of period is set in (most of the game is played in Europe in 1938), due to the presence of specific symbolism that may be considered offensive.

Overall, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is an amazing introduction to a series of games that unfortunately unlike other LucasArts titles didn’t receive reimagined remasters as the first 2 Monkey Island games, but even with that “limitation” if it’s even possible to describe it as such, this is an amazing game that I highly recommend.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

Developed by Pulse Entertainment in 1996 and rereleased in 2014 by NIghtdive Studios, Bad Mojo is an adventure game different from every other, that uses strange perspectives and a bizarre narrative to convey a Kafkaesque plot of self-discovery.

The game starts with the main character presenting his personal struggles and, by making his final preparations for what felt like a perfect plan, grabbed a necklace that was supposed to be from his mother, but by gazing upon it a mysterious spell transported his consciousness into a cockroach.

In this strange new body, you must navigate innumerous screens, comprised of a combination of pictures and pre-rendered objects, where new screens are available by navigating to the edges of the screen. As a cockroach, new angles and perspectives increase the out worldly feeling of controlling an insect.

Speaking of controlling, the game can be played using the keyboard, where you can choose between 3 different key schemes in the “preferences” menu. No matter what control scheme you choose, the player character is controlled in a “tank control” like way, where the left and right direction keys rotate you and the forwards and backwards keys move your character forwards and backwards.

The game is divided into different hubs that, after being unlocked by completing specific objectives, allow travel to different areas of the game. Clues presented as rhyming riddles in full motion cutscenes that can be accessed each time you walk over what looks like an eye icon, which at the time of the original release were impressive, feed the backstory of the characters in a fitting manner to the rest of the game. Complementing the visual style of the game, an interesting soundtrack is also present, and by solving puzzles audio cues are also played.

Depending on different paths taken, the game does contain different endings, so there is some replay value, but a walkthrough may help to decrease the frustration some segments may produce.

As a classic example of the imagination of mid 90s adventure games, Bad Mojo is an experience that is beyond comparison, and although some elements may seem outdated, the game presents all the ideas of what new technologies and medias could bring to games as a medium for art, and for that reason I highly recommend this game.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

Developed by Thunder Lotus Games and released in 2017, Sundered is a side scrolling, hand drawn Eldrich inspired metroidvania. Will you choose to embrace the darkness or use technology to banish it?

In a desolate desert, the main character Eshe explores until shadowy arms rise from the sands and tentacles engulf her while dragging her to unknown depths. After a short tutorial, Eshe meets the Shining Trapezohedron, that speaking in a forgotten language, grants her the power to defend herself.

While exploring the ever-changing corridors, you’ll face strange creatures, robots, and even giant bosses, whereby defeating them you’ll gain new powers that will allow to visit places once out of reach.

With a stupendous art style complemented by a foreboding soundtrack and ambient noises, exploration becomes a reward on itself, since like most games on this genre, exploration and backtracking are essential.

Depending on choices made during the game, the story may lead you to different results, presenting the game’s main replay value.

This game can be controlled by either keyboard or controller, having the option of local multiplayer up to 4 players.

As a choice for an incredibly well written Eldrich story, fluid movement, and impressive graphics, Sundered is a game I highly recommend.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

A product of its time trying to convey messages that often feel exaggerated, Harvester is a point and click adventure game with combat segments, heavy use of pre-rendered backgrounds and full motion segments initially released in 1996 and re-released on Steam in 2014.

This game is a complicated one to describe. On the mechanics side, it is very similar to most point and click adventure games, where the player interacts with the environment, characters, and items, where those interactions are then integral to solving puzzles, but it also contains an awkward combat system involving all from hand-to-hand combat to using bladed weapons. Sure, one can adapt to this unusual combination of mechanics, but it can feel as pleasant as a combination of yellow mustard and chocolate.

Harvester starts with the typical amnesiac protagonist, in a twisted 1950s small town, where you are soon labeled as Steve, that apparently always was a “kidder”. Exploring the town of Harvest you`ll find many characters that not only allow the choice of specific topics of conversation but also allow the input of terms to further learn about your new surroundings.

Many themes are reoccurring in this strange place, but none seem more urgent than the Lodge and the importance of you entering its halls as a member. The game is divided into days, where progress is directly tied to the unraveling of the story.

Filled with gory imagery and complicated topics, Harvester tries and, to some extent, manages to discuss topics like violence in media and games, desensitization, among others.

Overall, although this game may have not aged in the most graceful way, and the tone of the ideas presented in it are incredibly overblown, Harvester is an interesting experience, especially if you already enjoy point and click adventure games with an extremely different direction than LucasArts and Sierra ever offered, and for that reason I highly recommend this game.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

Released in 2018 and developed by Lazy Bear Games, Graveyard Keeper is, as the name implies, a cemetery management simulation game but describing as just that is incredibly reductive and incomplete.

The game starts with your character presumably in a contemporary age, when he suffers an accident and is transported to a strange land, complete with talking skulls, ghosts and an inquisition. The game is initially guided by missions given by the many characters present throughout this strange land, but the player has free rein to choose the order of the tasks presented.

Controlling your character is easily accomplished using either the combination of mouse and keyboard or a controller, where movement and a single action button are the main ways the player interacts with the game.

As previously presented, the game initially focuses on the graveyard, but soon enough the player has access to other systems ranging from crops, to writing, and even crafting, considering just the base game. The DLC expands that even further with new crafting options and even a tavern to be managed.

Each of the activities is presented with a specific challenge to the player, either by increasing the complexity of the items needed to complete a task or by requiring the player to learn patterns not fully explained directly.

In the same vein of other management games like Stardew Valley, with a grim background, the main gameplay loop may feel at times repetitive, but some parts are alleviated by the DLC, that gives an option to somewhat “automate” some tasks.

Another mechanic present in game is a combat one, mainly concentrated in a specific area, but is also spread in the night cycle with roaming enemies. And speaking of cycles, characters can be found in specific days, allowing for some planning is necessary.

With a unique twist on the often cheerful and lighthearted management game, Graveyard Keeper offers an option in this genre, offering a relaxing, thoroughly enjoyable, interesting game that I highly recommend, even more so with the addition of the DLCs.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

Developed by Wrong Organ and released in 2024, Mouthwashing is a first-person, story oriented psychological horror game with 32-bit inspired graphics.

Set in a cargo ship, following the descent of the crew into complete madness and desperation in a non-linear fashion, in a way that both complements and increases immersion.

With carefully chosen sound effects and the 32-bit inspired graphics, the player can easily superimpose over the characters and experience all the fear, anger, and regret that the story presents.

Although not the focus of the game, there are some almost jump scares, but the growing uneasy feeling built by the atmosphere is superbly crafted and ties the story segments of the story together.

Controlled either with the mouse and keyboard or a controller, this game doesn’t require fast reflexes or repeated actions, so the player can easily explore the ship and environmentally presented story at their own pace.

With surrealistic horrifying images and violence, the game’s themes may not appeal to every player, but if you are prepared for it, Mouthwashing is a short but very unique experience that I highly recommend.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.

Developed by Cyberdreams in 1995 and re-released in 2013 by Nightdive Studios, “I have no mouth, and I must scream” is an inventory-based point and click adventure game with a dystopian setting.

Based on a 1967 story by Harlan Ellison and later expanded by him to tell all the characters’ stories is a tale war, supercomputers, and of an artificial intelligence that not only became conscious, but also spiteful towards humanity so much so it decides to kill all humans except 5, which it is apparently delighted to torture. As you take control of the game, you select the character to control and face what AM, the supercomputer, consider to be their biggest flaws. It’s up to the player’s choices to determine the fate of the characters and, ultimately, humanity.

The game is divided into episodes controlling each character, where exploration of the environments presented by AM lead to discovering items that help solving different puzzles and progress the story. The game is controlled mostly by mouse inputs and the menu can be accessed using the “F5” key.

A great point is the voice acting, with Harlan Elison voicing AM, in what can only be described as the perfect embodiment of the character, along with superb acting for the other characters.

Although an impressive story, the themes presented and discussed are heavier than in most point and click adventure games, but if you want to experience a discussion on human choices and their consequences, “I have no mouth, and I must scream” is a great choice and for that I highly recommend it.

If you enjoyed this review, I would like to invite you to visit Backlog log my curator page for more recommendations and reviews.