Recent reviews by Lab

There are a lot of shop games that are just putting stuff on shelves in a store that slowly grows larger, and while this does have that, the Tetramon component of the game gives me something else to do. Probably a little boring to folks that aren't fans of this sort of card game, but it turns out I love opening card packs when I don't have to pay real money for each pack or physically store the cards.

Few notes for folks:
-Game is still early access at the time of this review, but the dev updates frequently and works on bugs. Their current project is implementing the ability for customers to sell cards to you, the shop owner.
-The Tetramon mentioned in this game is the same Tetramon game from Tetramon Monster Battles TCG, which this dev also did
-Playing Tetramon in TCG Card Shop Simulator is not currently implemented but is on the roadmap.
-Dev commissions art that isn't AI and is working to recommission any art they can't verify is AI free
-TCGCardSimulator on the Apple Store was not this dev and has been reported and taken down

After 6 seasons, D4 is on the cusp of its new expansion yet still feels like an early access title stretched over the bones of a better game. Dungeon mechanics and bosses feel like placeholders that will never get finished because all development resources go to microtransactions.

Things have improved slightly with the expac, but none of it feels worth the price they're asking, so wait for a sale.

One of the games where I'd like a neutral review option, since I don't hate it but I really can't recommend it. I love bees and the game is cute, which sounds like a recipe for success, but there's just not a lot here, even for an idle game.

A little short, but I really liked this one. Excellent puzzle variety and the rooms were fun to explore in search of little clues.

I never thought I'd enjoy a fishing game this much. It looks simple on the surface, but there is a surprising amount going on under the hood to simulate each fish. Should run on just about any computer still capable of booting and takes up less than 100MB, so it's definitely one of the games I'm keeping installed to play here and there.

My only "issue" is that so far, the fish just look like normal fish. Was expecting to see some weird alien fish, especially in the procedurally generated lakes. But even with that, I still keep playing to explore and fish more.

I love how relaxing this game is, but it is not finished in its current state despite releasing as 1.0. Devs have been quiet regarding the updates teased back in 2023, so we currently do not have garden upgrades, alchemy tool upgrades (despite the game implying they do exist), or the improved skill tree. Voting yes because it's still a relaxing game and I don't have a meh option I can just change later, but put it on your wishlist and either get it on sale or when it stops looking like abandonware.

Edit: the updates are here apparently! Potion Craft lives!

Works as advertised and I'm happy to toss five bucks to the dev.

Friendly reminder that Borderless Gaming with all its features is available for free on the dev's github—the Steam version and its DLC are meant as a way to support the dev. If you're freaking out about the achievement, pressing the Windows Key + F7 while Borderless Gaming is focused while unlock the achievement. The drama is from folks who haven't read the news announcements in full, since all of this is mentioned.

A Difficult Game About Climbing is exactly what the title says. The game is difficult and you climb. From the same genre as Getting Over It With Bennet Foddy, it's relatively easy compared to the rest of the genre, but the game is very much still difficult while remaining manageable enough that you feel like you can do it once you learn enough.

Turn up the mouse sensitivity and use the space or whatever button to pull yourself up to save yourself some wristache when travelling upward.

A fantastic creature collector with a 2v2, turn-based battle system and a capture system about half-way between Pokemon's "use item to attempt capture" and Dragon Quest Monster's recruitment system. The vibe of Cassette Beasts sets it apart, and it does great at being its own thing instead of a knockoff. The type-reaction chart is more than increased/reduced damage and the sticker system adds even more depth to your strategy, but you'll have to see that for yourself in-game. I found the soundtrack great, from the town to the combat, I loved it.

Unlockable modes some folks might get excited for:
After beating the game, you unlock custom mode options for a new game, including randomizer and nuzlocke

Main complaints are that navigating menus with a lot of entries can take a lot of time, especially the fusion bestiary. Two missable achievements, though neither is especially complicated.

Even though my playtime is low on the Steam version, I've been playing CDDA for a long time. In fact, I put so many hours in the free version I felt kinda obligated to put some money towards the dev. My current mods don't quite work with the Steam version, since the devs update the experimental free version every day or two and the version I use for my current loadout is a bit ahead of the more stable version that's on Steam. But next time the Steam version updates, I'll probably make the switch to play almost exclusively on Steam.

CDDA is a tile-based survival roguelike where you try to stay alive in a world where a shambling zombie is the least of your worries. They grow stronger over time (based on the evolution rate in the settings) so you'll have to raise your skills and scavenge for supplies to keep up with them. Of course, there are things other than zombies, mutant wildlife, and the occasional bandit to threaten you as well, but that's for you to find via exploration.

Mods can further customize the game to your liking, and I've heard Steam workshop support is coming for this version sometime in the future. You will die, and you will die a lot, even after you've learned the basics of the game, which can be disheartening for people not used to permadeath. If you play in the same world, you can pick up where your previous survivor left off, provided you can make it back to where they've been.

If you're hesitant to drop 20$ on this game, the free version is still available for you to try and will continue to be while they improve and update the game more.

EDIT: They apparently added the workshop support a few days after I posted my review.