This set is for those who like to read them words!
Nobody Nowhere: Good
Some sort of complex power struggle in a research lab doing clone/cyborg experiments. Interesting, but it's hard to follow the motivations of all the characters involved. The main mechanic, besides just walking around, seems to be navigating mazes and memorizing hidden paths, which is a little boring imo
The Vigilante Diaries: Good heh
Playing a lone vigilante, hunting gangsters and corrupt cops. Lots of options and choices to roleplay your character, with stats and character relationships. Neat concept, though I feel like it's been done better (Fallen Hero) but it's rare enough that I'm interested. Too bad most of the demo is spent on the backstory chapter, which is frankly corny and chock-full of high school drama clichés. I'm also always a little uncomfortable with games that let you roleplay as a right-wing extremist, it's hard to do that without feeling like you're indulging fascist power fantasies. At least here it's all up to player choice, you can pick whatever political/moral leanings feel right for your character, but you know. Uncomfortable. Maybe I'll just restart my game of Fallen Hero actually
Pro Philosopher 2 - Governments & Grievances: Good
They made a sequel to Socrates Jones Pro Philosopher, the absolute madlads. Have you ever dreamt of playing Ace Attorney, but instead of examining testimonies in court, you're pointing out flaws in ideologies and political philosophies? ...no? Well, it's cool, I promise. I swear, it's got a good sense of humor, the philosophy debates are entertaining with well crafted arguments, and yeah okay it's for giant nerds only, but what's wrong with that??
Minds Beneath Us: GREAT
A sidescrolling SF story about mind control, it's a little trippy but gets more and more interesting the further you get. It starts with the more high concept, sci-fi part but then switches to having tense arguments with your neighbor about your girlfriend's work-life balance? The writing seems extrememly solid. I don't love the 'blank faces' style chosen for the characters, but the animations are good and those city backgrounds look amazing.
Tavern Talk: heh
Looks kinda nice, I guess, but oh god this anxious elf is very boring. Look, this is not the first VN that tries to do a "coffee shop AU but X" like Va-11 Hall-A, but if you're making one of those, before all else, you need to know how to write good banter. And the banter here is subpar, sorry to say
Spill the Beans: Good
I found this one very charming. Starting by making you fill one of those meaningless job applications is really funny. The character have nice sprites and a lot of personality, there is So Much Drama going on in this café. The setup of having you trying to frame one of the other suspects feels like it's gonna be more of a gimmick to learn about all the characters, but it's a relatively fresh idea.
On Your Tail: GREAT
A "cozy mystery" game in a beautiful small Italian town. You have a ?magic? looking glass that shows you the past to investigate the crime scene (it's just a theft, no serial murders here). But you can also just ditch the investigation to go swimming or play marbles. The town looks idyllic, like a perfect vacation postcard. And there are so many furries to meet and talk to. It's honestly a little much, but the vibes are just too good not to be charmed
Echoes in the Deep: Good
It has kind of a bland aesthetic (though the city map looks nice) and the dialogue feels stilted at times, but you know I can't resist a good heist story. Playing a shitty thief that's assembling a crew for one last job while hiding the real plan from them? Of course I'm here for that. There are dice rolls based on D&D stats and a loyalty tracker for each member of the party, so that promises at least a few good betrayals and unexpected consequences.