[blog] JK's Backlog Battle

25/09/2024 - Familiar Shadows Completion.
Current Backlog: 769
Currently Playing: 10

A very lovely and sweet little game made by 117Briggy for a Gamejam.
I got introduced into this game by a streamer named Cide.

I was given a sneaky hint by the dev that there was only 4 potions, so it didn't take too long to get them all.
the cat is very cute, and the animation is adorable. For a game that took only a week to make, its amazing!
- Marisa (JK)

06/10/2024 - A Short Hike Completion.
Current Backlog: 768
Currently Playing: 10

I played this game for Pay or Play 4th Cycle of 2024 and it was picked for me by Riku.

Hike, climb, and soar through the peaceful mountainside landscapes of Hawk Peak Provincial Park
as you make your way to the summit. In A Short Hike you play as Claire, a young anthropomorphic black bird,
who lives in the city. She has come to visit her Aunt May at the Hawk Peak Provincial Park where she works as a park ranger.

It's a very chill and lovely little game where you go on a hike up the mountain!
To get to the top, you need to gather some golden feathers to be able to climb and fly higher.
The main story ends after you've reached the peak and talked with Aunt May about it,
but you can explore the game after it just fine. I did almost everything before went up the mountain though, which is possible.

It wasn't too difficult to play and to 100%. One of the achievements was time specific,
so I changed the time on my pc to get it, as I would have otherwise forgotten it anyway.
Other achievements were very straight forward, though I used an interactive map on google to find some of the collectibles.

In the end though, the game is very lovely and I think it's worth to play, such a lovely little game.
- Marisa (JK)

10/10/2024 - Skylar & Plux: Adventure on Clover Island Completion.
Current Backlog: 767
Currently Playing: 10

I played this game for Pay or Play 4th Cycle of 2024 and it was picked for me by Fynx.

Are you ready to adventure like it’s 2001?
Skylar & Plux: Adventure on Clover Island is a passionate revival of the legendary 3D platformer genre
with classic gameplay, playful gadgets, and a lighthearted story set in a gorgeous,
colorful world reminiscent of our childhood adventures.

It's a very nice and lovely little 3D platforming game that is reminiscent of Jak and Dexter.
It's quite simple, but has a few different unique mechanics that were quite fun to master.
There was some collectibles to gather, which were not too difficult either.

I'm quite sad that the game has been removed from sale on steam
since its a very lovely game and I would love to recommend it to people.
Im sure you can still get a key somewhere but its probably not worth it for huge amounts of money.
Either way, its a lovely game and totally worth playing if you happen to get it or you already own it!
- Marisa (JK)

20/10/2024 - An Arcade Full of Cats Completion.
Current Backlog: 765
Currently Playing: 11

It's a lovely free game from Devcats who have previously made games like A Castle Full Of Cats,
Sudocats, Zodiacats and many more. You get to journey through gaming history's time and space,
while searching for adorable feline companions in 'An Arcade Full of Cats,' the ultimate "pet'em up" hidden object game.

The paid DLC is required for getting a 100% completion on this game, but it is definitely worth it if you enjoy the rest of the game.
You join Leo and Fofiño as they navigate a feline-infused version of the arcade era, spanning from 1980 to the year 2000,
all while attempting to find their way back to the present! The DLC adds some more older timelines with extra stuff to do.

Absolutely recommended to be played!
- Marisa (JK)

25/10/2024 - Oxenfree Completion.
Current Backlog: 770
Currently Playing: 10

I played this game for Pay or Play 4th Cycle of 2024 and it was picked for me by Fynx.

Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller about a group of friends who unwittingly open a ghostly rift.
Play as Alex, a bright, rebellious teenager who brings her new stepbrother Jonas to an overnight party on an old military island.
The night takes a terrifying turn when you unwittingly open a ghostly gate spawned from the island’s cryptic past.

Oxenfree was a lovely game with a dialogue heavy story and different endings, as well as some cheeky time shenanigans.
I have enjoyed a bunch of similar games previously and this one did not disappoint at all!
The game offers a low stress experience without forcing you to rush through the game.
You can take it as slow as you like, or as fast as you like (or possibly can, obviously).

The game really shines with it's character design and making the characters feel like they were actually alive.
Their reactions, random dialogue and all the little details made it such an enjoyable thing story-wise.
Even if there story would have been bad, which it wasn't, but I get to that in a moment,
the characters would have probably saved the game even then.

The story made it so there was a constant sense of pressure throughout the game,
but it wasn't overwhelmingly bad that would have made me rush through it. I definitely got spooked a few times,
more times than I'd like to admit, but it was definitely not too scary, but just enough!

Few issues I feel like this game had, was when some dialogue choices would start to fade out
even before the character I was responding to hadn't finished talking yet. It was also a bit unclear
when the thinking bubbles would appear atop people, when they were thinking about a specific character.
Did it mean they were thinking of them positively or negatively?

The game was an alright experience to 100% complete it, but it did take me more playthroughs than I would have liked.
I didn't really follow guides for the achievements, except for the collectibles, so you can kinda tell that from my playtime.

Either way though, I think its a fantastic game
and everyone should definitely play it!
Highly recommended!
- Marisa (JK)

07/12/2024 - 100 Hidden Cats: Pirates Completion.
Current Backlog: 781
Currently Playing: 15

💜 This game was gifted to Catizens Curations for review.

It has really pretty artwork, but other than that, it's just like any other "poorly done" hidden object game
that can be completed in under 10 minutes. It would be a lot better if it wouldn't so easy to complete,
since currently the cats are not at all hidden and you literally don't have to even work your brain to find them.

I completed both the main level and the extra level
and would say that maybe turn your attention towards more of the better hidden cats games, like the ones from Devcats or Nukearts Studio.
I hope to see better content from this dev later though! The artwork was pleasant.
- Marisa (JK)

07/12/2024 - Cats Hidden Timeline Completion.
Current Backlog: 779
Currently Playing: 15

💜 This game was gifted to Catizens Curations for review.

What a lovely breath of fresh air this was! As a person who has played a lot of hidden cat games due to the Catizens curator (and cuz I like em),
some of these games get really stale really fast, but not this one! Cats Hidden Timeline was a blast to play through,
because of the interesting mechanic of manipulating time to find some of the cats.

The different levels were absolutely fantastic and lovely, there were so many little details around that were fun to look at.
The cats were not too hidden, but hidden enough to make you actually search for them without just finding them outright,
of course some were more easier to spot than others.

Definitely would love to play another game like this, maybe with an asian theme for the environments, or medieval?
I loved every second of it! Can't wait to see more from this dev! I absolutely recommend any fans of cat games or hidden object games to test this one out!
- Marisa (JK)

07/12/2024 - Hidden Cats Invade Venice Completion.
Current Backlog: 783
Currently Playing: 15

💜 This game was gifted to Catizens Curations for review.

Hidden Cats Invade Venice is a 3D hidden cats game where you move your camera around
to see the environments in different angles to catch all the sneaky little kittens. There is also penguins for some reason.
The main levels have 100 cats per level and each has one hidden penguin. The bonus tower levels start small and get bigger,
those don't have any penguins in them. There is also one bonus level with just penguins and there is 100 penguins in there.
The penguins were probably the most hardest part of this game.

I really liked the way the game was made, though there were a lot of points where the devs could have improved upon.
All that said though, a very good entry in the hidden cats genre and definitely worth playing if you enjoy these types of games.
- Marisa (JK)

08/12/2024 - MonoNeko Completion.
Current Backlog: 782
Currently Playing: 15

💜 This game was gifted to Catizens Curations for review.

MonoNeko is a simple rhythm game with a dark, yet intriguing, artstyle and story.
I am personally not that great at rhythm games, so the game was a tad bit difficult for me, but I still very much enjoyed it.
The artstyle is really amazing, but the game has some dark themes, mainly dead cats,
which might be upsetting to some gamers. The artstyle is quite gorey in that regard.

The soundtrack is really fun and it was pretty clear to me what the rhythm was supposed to be,
it fit pretty well with the gameplay. The character and boss design is super cool and I really enjoyed the artstyle!

I would definitely recommend this game to fans of rhythm games. It's rather cheap, though it is still in early access.
There hasn't been much updates so far from what I can tell, but I hope the dev is still working on this game!
Some people have had issues with crashing.
- Marisa (JK)

09/12/2024 - Who Let The Frog Out Completion.
Current Backlog: 781
Currently Playing: 15

This game is a very simple frogger like game where you start out as a frog that seems to be a piggy bank
and you try to get over paths with rolling spike wheels, fireballs, arrows and rivers with moving logs
and water lily petals and other obstacles. You can unlock different animals such as dogs, ducks, goats, and even pigs.
Each animal possesses unique characteristics and abilities.

The gameplay was alright though there was a couple of annoying bugs that I encountered that made me restart my runs.
I also randomly lost a live at one point, even though the creeping fog behind the character was not even close.
The game was otherwise alright, though some of the artwork looked a bit out of place.

This is again one of those games where I wish there was a neutral review option,
as I don't think this game is really worth your time, but it can be harmless bit of fun if you really want to enjoy it.
I played the game with all the different animals, if that matters at all.
I wouldn't spend money on this game, but if you want to, go ahead.
- Marisa (JK)

10/12/2024 - Cat Search In The Wild West Completion.
Current Backlog: 780
Currently Playing: 15

Very fun looking free to play hidden cats game. The gameplay took only 10 minutes to complete
and nowadays if the game takes less than half an hour, I wouldn't recommend it to any veterans of hidden cat/object games.
However if you are just looking for a quick little fun thing to use a couple of minutes on, then its definitely worth it.
- Marisa (JK)

10/12/2024 - Cat Search In Medieval Times Completion.
Current Backlog: 779
Currently Playing: 15

Very fun looking cheap hidden cats game. Similar to their other games,
but the gameplay took around 20 mins to complete which was a tad longer than the previous I played.
It's not a game that I would recommend for those who are really good at these types of games
since it takes such little effort to complete, but I guess it was fun for the while it lasted.
- Marisa (JK)

11/12/2024 - Cat Search In Feudal Japan Completion.
Current Backlog: 778
Currently Playing: 15

Another hidden cats game from the save developer, this time not free, but still very cheap.
This time it took me around 10 minutes to complete, so again, not really a good choice for those who are pros at these type of games,
BUT it's still a good bit of fun. I really enjoyed this setting the most from the three games I played.
- Marisa (JK)

25/12/2024 - GRIS Completion.
Current Backlog: 791
Currently Playing: 15

I played this game for Pay or Play 1st Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by Escollo.

GRIS is an extraordinary experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. As the story unfolds,
you follow Gris, a young girl navigating through a world filled with sorrow and loss, but what makes this game truly unique,
is how it portrays that emotional journey, with different hues and shapes, with the sound design of each chapter.

Gris’s character evolves as she gains new abilities. Each new ability unlocks further parts of her world,
mirroring her own emotional growth and allowing players to experience a deeply personal, evocative story in a stunningly serene setting.

The game is a visual masterpiece. The art direction is breathtaking—each environment is meticulously crafted,
bringing to life a world that feels both melancholic and beautiful. The animation is delicate, fluid, and full of subtle emotion,
and the soundtrack, composed by Berlinist, elevates every moment with an elegant, atmospheric score that perfectly complements the game's tone.

What truly sets GRIS apart is its lack of traditional gaming frustrations. The game focuses on exploration and light puzzles,
allowing players to immerse themselves in the experience without feeling rushed or pressured. The platforming challenges are satisfying
but never overly difficult, and the lack of text makes it universally accessible—regardless of language,
anyone can appreciate the emotional journey this game offers.

In conclusion, GRIS is more than just a game—it's an emotional journey through a world of color, sound, and art.
It’s a quiet, introspective experience that encourages reflection and emotional connection, and it’s a journey that feels as rewarding as it is beautiful.
If you're looking for something serene, evocative, and artistically stunning, GRIS is a must-play.
- Marisa (JK)

26/12/2024 - The Lonesome Fog Completion.
Current Backlog: 796
Currently Playing: 15

Very cute and lovely short story from Might and Delight,
The Lonesome Fog tells a story of a young lynx cub who is afraid of anything and everything,
but eventually gets it's courage. It's not really a game, more of an interactive diorama book,
but it was still very enjoyable. Sadly it's very short and absolutely not worth the full price it costs,
thankfully it goes often on sale.
- Marisa (JK)

26/12/2024 - DORONKO WANKO Completion.
Current Backlog: 795
Currently Playing: 15

If you've ever dreamed of being an adorable, chaos-loving Pomeranian armed with a gatling gun,
Doronko Wanko is the game for you! This delightful gem combines quirky humor, chaotic gameplay,
and a unique premise that had me smiling the entire time.

The core gameplay is refreshingly simple yet ridiculously fun: get muddy, spread the mess,
and cause as much delightful destruction as possible! The mechanics are surprisingly satisfying,
especially when you shake off mud to uncover hidden Pomeranian “paintings” around the house.
It’s like a scavenger hunt but with dirt—and a whole lot of personality.

I loved the variety of challenges and badges that encourage playful experimentation, whether it’s coating the beds in mud
or finding creative ways to wreak havoc. Though the game is relatively short (I completed it in about an hour),
every moment was packed with charm and entertainment. Sometimes, a bite-sized adventure is exactly what you need,
and Doronko Wanko delivers that in spades.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a whimsical,
lighthearted game that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Prepare for muddy chaos and endless giggles!
- Marisa (JK)

26/12/2024 - Hidden Capybaras with Orange and Pumpkins: Spooky Halloween Edition Completion.
Current Backlog: 794
Currently Playing: 15

This game is a charming hidden-object game that perfectly captures the cozy, festive vibes of Halloween.
As someone who has played their other hidden capybara games, I can confidently say
Hidden Capybaras with Orange and Pumpkins: Spooky Halloween Edition is a delightful improvement!

The glowing lights when you find a hidden capybara is simply magical.
It transforms the artwork and makes the entire experience feel even more vibrant and engaging.
The cityscape brimming with Halloween décor, pumpkins, and spooky details is beautifully crafted,
and searching for the 100 hidden capybaras is both relaxing and rewarding.

I also loved the extra challenge of finding 5 hidden cats
and spotting special guest characters scattered throughout the scene. It added variety to the hunt and kept things fresh.
While the game is on the shorter side—it took me just over 10 minutes to complete—it’s a perfect bite-sized experience.
For newcomers to the genre, it could definitely take a bit longer to uncover all the secrets, making it even more satisfying.

This game is a treat for fans of hidden-object games or anyone looking for a lighthearted way to celebrate the Halloween season.
Highly recommended for a quick, relaxing escape into a whimsical world full of capybara charm!
It is also totally free, which is always a nice bonus!
- Marisa (JK)

26/12/2024 - Hidden Cats: The Last of Cats Completion.
Current Backlog: 793
Currently Playing: 15

If you're a fan of hidden object games and are looking for something delightful yet challenging,
then Hidden Cats: The Last of Cats is an absolute gem that you won't want to miss!
This free-to-play title features hidden feline friends that are both adorable and cleverly concealed.

While the base game is relatively short, clocking in at around 20 minutes,
the addition of the DLC ramped up the complexity significantly for me personally.
The challenge of locating these sneaky little cats is what truly sets this game apart from the others.
The developers have genuinely nailed the art of making the cats small and well-hidden,
which keeps the gameplay engaging and adds an extra layer of satisfaction when you finally spot them!

As you find each cat, vibrant colors gradually fill in the exquisite artwork of each area,
which not only adds an aesthetic pleasure but also provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment as you complete each section.
It's a simple yet effective way to visually represent your progress and makes every successful find all the more gratifying.
I've played a couple of different hidden cats games that have done this previously, but I still find it a very fun way to track progress.

Overall, Hidden Cats: The Last of Cats is a delightful addition to the hidden object genre, filled with charming artwork and challenge.
Whether you're a seasoned hidden object game enjoyer or just looking to unwind with some casual gaming,
this game definitely provides an enjoyable experience.
It’s a purr-fect way to spend your time!
- Marisa (JK)

27/12/2024 - Hidden Paws Completion.
Current Backlog: 792
Currently Playing: 15

A hidden object game where you embark on a quest to find cats and colorful balls of yarn across 20 snowy islands.
Hidden Paws, with its cold winter night atmosphere, is visually appealing and creates a cozy ambiance.
The game offers over two hours of gameplay, which, while not extensive, is perfect for a casual gaming session.

At first glance, the graphics are fair; they do the job but don’t particularly stand out in the crowded genre of hidden object games.
One major highlight is the soothing soundtrack, which really sets the mood—although it’s unclear whether the tunes are original
or sourced from elsewhere. Finding hidden felines and yarn amid cleverly crafted environments can be both entertaining and challenging,
especially since they are often tucked away in unexpected spots like car trunks or behind piles of logs.

However, the game does have its downsides. For players prone to motion sickness, the camera controls can be a significant drawback.
Although I eventually got the hang of it after about an hour, the camera movements felt cumbersome and made me a bit sickly,
making the exploration of each level a tedious task. Searching around multi-sided buildings for hidden objects can also be frustrating,
as you'll find yourself constantly readjusting the camera for a proper view.

In conclusion, Hidden Paws is a cute game with a lot of charm and hidden surprises.
Yet, the frustrating camera mechanics hold it back from achieving its full potential and it made me give this game a negative review.
If you can tolerate the camera controls, you’ll find a fun experience waiting. Otherwise, it might be worth keeping your eye out for other options in the genre.
- Marisa (JK)

05/01/2025 - My Friend Peppa Pig Completion.
Current Backlog: 789
Currently Playing: 15

A charming children's adventure game that brilliantly captures the heart of the popular television series.
My Friend Peppa Pig is aimed at younger players, providing a fun, safe, and engaging experience where kids can create their own character
and embark on adventures with Peppa and her friends. From exploring Peppa's house to playing at the beach or jumping in muddy puddles,
every moment feels like stepping into a lively, interactive episode of the show.

The game’s visuals perfectly replicate the series' colorful and iconic art style,
while the familiar voices and music enhance the immersive experience. The simple controls and intuitive gameplay make it ideal for young children,
allowing them to navigate and participate without frustration. Despite its relatively short runtime, the game is packed with entertaining activities
and delightful surprises that keep kids engaged from start to finish.

My Friend Peppa Pig excels as an introductory game for children, fostering creativity and exploration while providing a wholesome adventure.
It’s a fantastic choice for families looking to share quality time or for fans of Peppa Pig eager to join their favorite characters in a playful,
interactive world. This game is pure, joyful fun that kids will adore.
- Marisa (JK)

06/01/2025 - Merry XMerge Completion.
Current Backlog: 789
Currently Playing: 15

A rather lackluster puzzle game that fails to deliver a satisfying experience.
With no progression system or meaningful goals, the gameplay boils down to endless, repetitive merging that quickly becomes tedious.
There’s no sense of accomplishment or variety to keep players engaged, making it feel more like a time-waster than an actual game.
Adding to the frustration, many of the glowing reviews for this game appear to be fake, creating a misleading impression of its quality.
Overall, Merry XMerge is a disappointing entry in the puzzle genre and doesn’t deserve the high praise
it seems to be receiving from obviously bought reviews.
- Marisa (JK)

06/01/2025 - Royal Card Clash Completion.
Current Backlog: 787
Currently Playing: 15

💗 This game was gifted to Indie Therapy for review.

Royal Card Clash is such a refreshing and addictive indie game!
It takes the simplicity of classic card games like Solitaire and adds a really clever twist.
Using number cards as "attacks" to defeat royal cards feels so satisfying, especially when you start planning your moves strategically.
It’s super easy to learn, but don’t be fooled—it takes some serious thinking to master, and that’s what keeps me hooked.

The relaxing soundtrack is a nice touch, and I love that the game tracks your performance stats—it’s fun to see how you improve over time.
Plus, unlocking harder difficulty levels gives you a real sense of progress and challenge. If you’re into card games
or just want something low-key but engaging, Royal Card Clash is absolutely worth a try. It’s one of those games that’s perfect for short sessions
but hard to put down once you start!
- Marisa (JK)

18/01/2025 - The Invincible Completion.
Current Backlog: 785
Currently Playing: 16

I played this game for Pay or Play 1st Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by Escollo.

I just wrapped up The Invincible, and I’ve got to say—it’s a game that totally surprised me in the best way.
I haven’t read the novel it’s based on (shoutout to Stanisław Lem’s The Invincible),
but now I’m seriously considering picking it up because this game is really good.

From the moment I landed on the mysterious planet Regis III, I was hooked. The game oozes atmosphere,
with its retro-futuristic aesthetic that feels like stepping into a golden age sci-fi movie. The visuals are breathtaking,
from the stark, alien landscapes to the haunting remnants of the planet’s secrets.
Every area feels crafted to draw you deeper into the story.

Speaking of the story, it’s an absolute standout. Even without knowing the source material, I felt completely invested in the narrative.
You play as Yasna, a sharp and determined scientist, who’s on a mission to uncover what happened to her crew.
It’s a slow-burn exploration of survival, curiosity, and some pretty deep philosophical questions about humanity and technology.
The choices you make feel meaningful, and the dialogue is natural and thought-provoking.

The gameplay is more about exploration and discovery than action, which I loved. It gave me time to soak in the eerie,
almost hypnotic atmosphere. And wow, the audio design! The soundtrack and sound effects are spot-on,
adding so much to the tension and mystery. Definitely a “play it with headphones” kind of game.

Even without prior knowledge of Lem’s work, the game is easy to dive into and enjoy.
It strikes a great balance between being accessible to newcomers and offering depth for those who might already be fans of the novel.
If you’re into narrative-driven games, sci-fi mysteries, or just want something that feels truly unique, give The Invincible a shot.
It’s not a fast-paced thrill ride, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s an experience that sticks with you long after you finish.
Highly recommended! 🚀🌌
- Marisa (JK)

19/01/2025 - Sid Meier's Civilization V Completion.
Current Backlog: 785
Currently Playing: 15

Sid Meier's Civilization V is one of those games I kept coming back to over and over.
It's a turn-based strategy game where you guide a civilization from the dawn of time to the modern age,
and no two games ever feel quite the same. Whether you're building wonders, waging wars, or making allies,
there's always something to keep you engaged.

The gameplay is super satisfying, especially with the way the hex-based maps and combat work.
It makes planning out your moves and strategy feel rewarding, whether you're expanding your empire or just trying to survive a surprise war.
The expansions like Gods & Kings and Brave New World made the game even better, adding religion, trade, and diplomacy systems that gave it more depth.

That said, I never managed to unlock all the achievements, even after playing a ton.
Some of them are just really specific or require a crazy amount of dedication and the game gets a bit repetitive if you play it for so long.
But honestly, there's always another challenge waiting, even if you're not a completionist, and it's definitely worth playing.

If you’re into strategy games or just love a game that lets you lose track of time while building your own version of history,
Civ V is a fantastic choice. It’s not perfect, but it’s an experience I don’t regret sinking so many hours into.
- Marisa (JK)

21/01/2025 - Baimason's Thing Finder Puzzle Completion.
Current Backlog: 785
Currently Playing: 14

💜 This game was gifted to Catizens Curations for review.

I had the chance to try Baimason's Thing Finder Puzzle because I got it through a curator,
and I’m so glad I had the chance—it’s such a delightful little hidden object game!
The concept is simple but incredibly charming: you’re tasked with finding pixel-made objects hidden
within levels that are entirely composed of adorable pixel art. It’s like a cozy scavenger hunt that’s as relaxing as it is satisfying.

What really stands out about this game is its replayability. Each level is unique and procedurally generated,
so even when you revisit your favorite stages, they feel fresh and different every time.
I also love how the game rewards progress—every level you complete unlocks new challenges and more items to discover,
which keeps things engaging and gives you that "just one more level" feeling.

The daily challenge is another highlight for me. It’s a fun way to add variety and gives you a little something to look forward to each day.
Plus, there’s an achievement for completing 30 days of daily challenges, so it’s a great incentive to stick with it.

Overall, Baimason's Thing Finder Puzzle is a fantastic pick if you’re into chill,
relaxing games that don’t demand too much but still feel rewarding. Whether you’re looking for a way to unwind
or just want a charming puzzle game to add to your library, this one’s absolutely worth checking out.
- Marisa (JK)