First impressions - Certainly not going to be to everyone's tastes, but is a wonderfully strange experience, ostensibly an Icepick Lodge (the Void, Pathologic) game. Looks nice - I especially enjoy watching the Lodger harrumphing about like an aggrieved caretaker - sounds nice, if a little repetitive, and plays nice, although the mechanics are decidedly minimalist. At this point, I would implore that, while I understand research must be done, don't seek out the mechanics of the game discussed in mechanical terms. This game may be fairly simple and give straightforward instructions at first, but after a few basics Knock-Knock! becomes more enigmatic, and that's what I'm enjoying. Once again, not to everyone's taste, but it's not trying to be. Fans of Icepick Lodge have probably already applied; anyone else searching for something unconventional, apply here!
First thing to be said about The Real Texas? It's certainly unique and refreshing, with a slew of memorable characters, a surprisingly engaging soundtrack; but it certainly won't be to everyone's tastes. It's essentially a more free-form adventure game, much of the gameplay involves simply exploring and finding things that flesh out the well-realised world; however, that's about it. There are obstacles in the form of enemies, but combat doesn't really amount to more than drawin' yer sidearm and clicking, and the health system (if you can call it that) is a bit weird and cumbersome In addition, the aesthetic appealed to me, but some might find it a little too lo-fi for their tastes; perhaps understandable considering it's pretty much a solo project from Kitty Lambda games. However, I feel like with those criticisms I'd be approaching it in the wrong way; it's still fun, engaging and once again totally unique; but certainly benefits from being approached from a certain mindset.
Stacking is a fun little puzzle game from Double Fine with a unique and quite simply charming aesthetic. It's a neat little package, with humour and character oozing out over the edges. That's the only thing, though, "little". It's not particularly challenging as a puzzle game, and even 100% completion is pretty easy going; but this isn't to say the puzzles aren't interesting and well-designed. Basically, if you're looking for a challenge, Stacking may come up a little short; but it's worth it for the world, the characters and the attention to detail that's just...absolutely charming.
