Recent reviews by Tchii

A first look at Nurikabe World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gii8HKoL7A

I find Nurikabe World a fantastic puzzle game—one where I can't get over its beauty either.
With four seasons as a visual pleaser, seeing an island you created "bloom" to life is incredibly delightful. It gives serene, cosy vibes, especially since there is no time pressure, making it a relaxing experience, even in the later and more challenging levels. Of course, the beautiful, tranquil music is a big help, too. It just lets you drift away in this beautiful puzzle world.

With 300 puzzles in the campaign alone, it'll keep you busy trying to complete them all.
The first campaign level "intro" has an excellent tutorial explaining all the game's ins and outs for those new to this type of puzzle, like I was. It hooked me immediately, and I've been playing them a lot since they have something very addictive to solve.

However, I am struggling with some puzzles that have a slightly different rule set than the standard ones. You’ll work with dots or lines under the numbers, but I don't really want to spoil what they mean—so you'll have to see for yourself *wink-wink*
Either way, I’m still trying to understand and solve those. And I'm slowly improving on them as I’m starting to understand them a little better. But the intro and tour levels were far more enjoyable because they are no-nonsense, just basic, with no extra rules to pay attention to: easy, breezy, laid-back lemon squeezy.
And don't get me wrong—I do find it refreshing, and I am glad they are there since it's nice that it is different; I'm just salty that I'm bad at them. Others might be brilliant at them or even prefer that set of puzzles.
I have yet to start or try the advanced levels; given how they slowly ramp up in difficulty, I assume those might be a tad harder and will provide a nice challenge.

And when you're stuck, you are stuck. There is no hint button for when you really can't figure it out unless I completely overlooked that feature. So, I would've loved to have seen that to give us that tiny little push to make it through when needed in the more challenging levels or for people, like me, who are less gifted in solving the variation levels. I did notice that sometimes, just walking away and returning later helps, too. So don’t be shy about taking a break or 50, lol.

In addition, user levels, a level editor, and daily puzzles are available in three levels: easy, medium, and hard. And for when you still can't get enough, there is *drum roll* infinite mode! It is also available in randomised puzzles on easy, medium, and challenging levels.
As I said above, it will keep you busy for a while, and that's just lovely. I can only recommend this one, and I'll be rooting for people, especially puzzle lovers, to pick it up since I consider it a little gem worthy of being seen so it can shine brightly.


An easy level versus a harder level (that's my favourite one cause of the cat!)
https://gtm.you1.cn/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3406931997
https://gtm.you1.cn/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3407059853

A first look at Sensei! I like you so much:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwzq3IBNtO0

Before this game, I had never even heard of itabags, but I digress.
When I got this game sent in, I didn't think it would be a bad game per se since the demo, which I briefly poked to get an idea of what this game was, was enjoyable. But I also wasn't sure if it would be something for me or something I would enjoy for longer than maybe an hour, an hour and a half. Indeed, I've seen my fair share of anime and read a few manga here and there, but never have I been on the territory of fanfic or fanfic writing—I did know it existed, but that was about it.

And I have to say, or well, type, this game pleasantly positively surprised me. I find it a very chill and relaxing game, and I do enjoy it.
There are many options to customise the chibi, and you can also download pre-made ones in the workshop. So that's pretty neat!
It's also a very colourful game, which instantly cheers me up.
So, I am willing to recommend it carefully, even as a non-fanfic and shipping person.

Just be aware that it is still in early access and has some flaws, like translation when playing in English. (I can't vouch for any of the other languages)
I would also love to have some features that make the interface feel a little smoother, like a reading speed option for the visual novel part of the game—besides the one on top that makes it all go too fast— so everyone can adjust it at their own pace. We're all different, after all.
Maybe the ability to customise the desktop- the right side that is, since you can move the left a little around- to your liking and set everything where you prefer them. And you know, a few little things like that.
I've noticed that sometimes my text doesn't fit on my screen anymore.
A visual indicator, like a different colour, that shows which option I picked previously would be very lovely too.
There are minor issues and some general ideas. There's probably more, but I can't think of it right now since I want to return to the game.

I'm still early in; if my opinion were to change, that would be reflected here. But for now, I'm confident this can be a fantastic, relaxing, cosy game whether you're a fanfic and ship lover or not since it already made a brilliant start as what it is right now in my opinion. I'm looking forward to updates and seeing this game grow!

Well, I made a playthrough of this little gem. You can legit see my soul leave my body at 17:12 in the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsSYv8y6-uQ
It's now hours later, and I think it still hasn't returned; at this point, I'm worried it won't for another few days, along with the feeling in my arm and wrist from heavily shaking the rat like there is no tomorrow.
As someone who typically plays more farm sims, life sims, puzzles, platformers, cosy games,... Or pretty much everything but horror, I still regret nothing. As disturbing and weird as this game is, it's mighty, creepily good!

So far, Dino, his friends and I have watched and played many things together. From behind their llittle stalls, the cute animals saw me be productive on my PC, but they also saw me as a lazy potato. They know all my on-screen secrets. And I assume they'll keep them safe as I take good care of them and their little market...

A first look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZHfVkEy2Y4

I had the privilege and pleasure of being one of the playtesters of this beautiful puzzle game, but I promise you I am not biased... I was already biased the moment I played the demo way before the testing. I instantly fell in love with the music, the graphics, and the theme. The vibe was right, and I’ve been counting down to today to grab the full release.
This is also why my playtime is low, and my achievements look a little scrambled. It turns out the test save was transferred—oops! Nothing is stopping me from going through all the levels again soon, in the near future. But I digress.

Prickle is a super cute yet somewhat challenging logic puzzle where Papa Hog, played by you, gathers his baby hedgehogs. Spread over four seasons—each accompanied by a brilliant music track and cute cutscenes per season— you solve 12 levels per season.
This means you’re in for 48 levels of fun and occasional frustration. With some puzzles, I saw the solution almost instantly, while with others, I didn’t see it for the life of me, questioning my logic and grinding my teeth.

Thankfully, there is a handy hint button for those! Alas, even then, it happened with very few levels that I still didn’t see it. So, I skipped them, which is a brilliant option, ensuring you aren't permanently stuck due to one level. Taking a small break from a challenging level helped a lot; ultimately, I solved them all. Yay! And it was so satisfying.

With a light and dark theme, you can set the game to your preference and which feels better on your eyes. As a fan of dark themes and a night owl, I find it absolutely lovely that this is an option!
You can play with a controller, keyboard only, or mouse only (I have yet to find the restart on this one, but the undo works perfectly with the right mouse click and scroll wheel to turn your papa hog).
Two accessibility options are also available: an alternative colour palette and the option to turn on a grid background.

Prickle is worth picking up and playing through for casual players and (seasoned) puzzle lovers. And when you do, I hope you love this little puzzle game as much as I do!
I can’t wait to see what the lovely team of Team Sunbird will cook up next for us. I’ll be keeping an eye out for sure!

A first look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1N00cd5EwM

Well, I must be honest. From the moment I played the demo… I was sold. Ever since, the game has only improved and will most likely continue to do so as the developers truly handle their EA with care and listen to the community's input, but I digress.

I've never played a deck-builder where I must go and fish out the items with a crane. Praying, hoping, and rooting are excellent strong catches, which isn't always the case. It definitely comes with a small portion of luck! I've had items falling out at the very last moment, grab nothing, balance on the little mid-section wall —because why not— and other funny, nutty stuff happen!
I had superb and horrible runs, but above all, I'm having fun. It's pretty addictive, and it's far too easy to say, "OK, just one more floor," or "OK, just one more run."
It's a great game with a neat concept and unique gameplay. I definitely recommend it to fellow rogue-like/ deckbuilding lovers.

A first look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRdl9uGn_LQ

Follow the adventures of a cute cat who makes a few animal friends throughout the four seasons in this cute and wholesome puzzle game. Flip, twist and change the colour of the tiles to get them in the right place (and colour) to complete the image.

Accompanied by Lofi music, it was delightful; it was a very chill experience. Being on the shorter side, it's perfect for playing through on a colder rainy evening like today with a nice cup of beverage you like. In my case, it was hot cocoa, snuggled up under a blanket, and my lovely cats on my lap snuggling up. Perfect!

After playing the game, I think it was genius that the credits were puzzles, too. It was a very nice extra, not to mention very original as well. I wouldn't mind seeing more adventures in the future like this that tell a nice story and make your puzzle in a relaxing, non-pressure, or overly complicated way.

A first look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSesysP8Sgg

Well, I won't say the game is perfect or that there isn't room for improvement. For example, a cleaner inventory, a better tool-equipped menu or system, and a map would be helpful. And yet, it doesn't bother me that the map isn't there, assuming I didn't entirely miss it somewhere or that there isn't a tool shortcut menu. I have no clue why it doesn’t bother me; it probably should, but it doesn’t. The game is enjoyable as it is, or at least to me—just feet up, hot cocoa, blanket, cats on lap, and cozy exploring. I enjoy running around or well occasionally swimming, being carefree and relaxed, talking to everyone, digging up things, and helping with quests.

I can’t help but love how everyone's eyes are so big, and to be honest, there are so many expressions. Sarah's grumpy face is my favourite, or, no, wait, Sam's death stare towards the little pile of sand. And the music fits the game ever so nicely, too.
I have to say that it did catch me a little off guard that there was no jump button, but I got used to that quickly enough.

Sadly, I must quit my session for today since I started to experience a little motion sickness. In all honesty, I can't say for certain whether that's due to the game or just me having an off day.
I'll be jumping back in tomorrow after a good night's sleep.

Plus, there are always a few tricks worth a try to reduce the feeling: Suck on some ginger candy or nibble a ginger cookie, have a ginger tea or other ginger-based drink, and sit away from the screen a little further than usual. Taking regular breaks can help, too, or ‘ease’ yourself into the game. Play a while and slowly build up the play time bit by bit.
I thought I would share those just in case someone else is experiencing it, too.

But all by all, I am looking forward to continuing my cute little adventure tomorrow!

A first look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fV_SvBBskw

It's a super cute, cosy, heartwarming exploration game where you do quests and side quests. I'm so in love with this one and the story so far. This one is hitting all the right notes for me; big yes.

The island feels enormous, and I feel so lost at the moment, but I'm sure I'll know all the places in no time. I can't wait to meet everyone, collect everything, find and do every (side and main) quest, etc.
I was pleasantly surprised we could customise our kitten a little. Although Lily is absolutely adorable as she is, it's still nice to add a personal touch to your journey by customising your kitten.
Sadly, I must interrupt my gameplay for a bit due to real life, but I'm jumping back in the second I can. I want to binge-play this one, or as far as I can, so badly.

I may have more to say once I'm played out, but for some reason, my gut feeling—which seems to be very on point lately—knows I will keep loving this one till the end. And then I probably cry like an idiot cause I played it out, followed by falling into a black hole for a while. It's an ongoing thing with me with games I love to bits that are so darn good. Don't ask me why. I'll get over it eventually... Find some new shiny, rinse and repeat. Heh.

A first look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8CzF-XGoL4

Apple Busy Day is a short but charming little fetch-quest exploration game. I enjoyed playing it, as it was the perfect cozy quickie on a relatively busy evening.
A part of me did wish the game was longer since I really liked exploring and doing the fetch quests, and some dialogue made me laugh a little (and some made me pull an eyebrow up, like Potato, what are you doing?!). But on the other hand, like I said, it is perfect quickly. I got to see the ending and was satisfied with playing it out without being interrupted by real life and having to return numerous times to hop back in. And sometimes, that's just what I need instead of a lengthy one. I would not mind seeing a sequel of some sort.