The Walking Dead: Michonne (Review)

Developer: Telltale Games
Publisher: Telltale Games
Available On: Android, iOS, macOS, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One
Xbox One version reviewed on Xbox Series S

When Telltale Games launched The Walking Dead: Season 1 in 2012, it was like lightning in a bottle. Featuring a landmark gameplay style that combined the thrill of the “choose your own adventure” books from the 1980s-1990s with all of the moral ambiguity of The Walking Dead comics and television show, Telltale’s first foray into the world of the undead was considered a narrative masterpiece and won “Game of the Year” awards from multiple outlets. As a longtime fan of both Telltale Games and The Walking Dead, I’ve loved playing each “season” of this series over the years, but until now I’ve never played The Walking Dead: Michonne, a spin-off featuring one of the most beloved characters from the franchise. While it still contains several of the elements that have made this series of games so memorable, it’s also the hardest one to recommend to anyone besides the most hardcore of fans.

Fort Solis (Review)

Developer: Fallen Leaf, Black Drakkar Games
Publisher: Dear Villagers
Available On: PC, macOS (Coming Soon), PlayStation 5
Reviewed on PlayStation 5

Pitched as a tight sci-fi thriller at Summer Game Fest last year, Fort Solis is the first project by co-developers Fallen Leaf and Black Drakkar Games. Designed with the power of Unreal Engine 5 and featuring the voice talent of industry legends Troy Baker and Roger Clark, Fort Solis instantly wowed with its high visual quality and megastar cast, an unusual combination for a first-release indie game. As the game crept ever closer to its release, it was clear that it was keeping its cards close to its chest. There were few trailers, interviews, and videos about the game, so much of what it was remained to be seen. Sadly, now that the game has been released and I’ve been able to uncover the mystery at its core, it’s also clear that the execution of the experience doesn’t match its ambition.

Immortality (Review)

Developer: Half Mermaid Productions
Publisher: Half Mermaid Productions
Available On: Android, iOS, macOS, PC, and Xbox Series X|S
Reviewed on iOS

Every now and then there’s an indie game that comes along, stops you in your tracks, and makes you realize that you’ve never played something quite like it before. Immortality is one such game. Presented as an archived collection of fictional live-action film recordings, Immortality tasks you with scrubbing through three films in various states of production. There’s a mystery to solve, which is made clear by an introductory tutorial, but after that, you’re left to figure out everything for yourself. Admittedly, I don’t think this game will be for everyone, but for fans of cinema and the process by which films are created, this is a truly remarkable thrill ride that’s bound to leave an impression long after the credits roll.

The Pathless (Review)

Developer: Giant Squid
Publisher: AnnaPurna Interactive
Available On: iOS, macOS, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Reviewed On: PlayStation 5
Copy obtained via GameFly

Developer Giant Squid’s first release, the 2016 underwater exploration game Abzû, was a beautiful and contemplative adventure through the depths of the ocean. Fans of Abzû compared its wordless narrative, interpretive lore, and Zen-like traversal to 2012’s critically acclaimed Journey, which is fitting since Giant Squid was founded by several people who used to work at the studio that made it, thatgamecompany. With their new game, The Pathless, Giant Squid carries over many of the elements that made Journey and Abzû such beloved titles, while also introducing new mechanics and design philosophies that give it its own identity.