[blog] JK's Backlog Battle

31/05/2025 - The Sims 2 Legacy Collection Completion.
Current Backlog: 804
Currently Playing: 11

The Sims 2 was my first ever Sims game growing up—I was absolutely obsessed with it as a kid,
and my mom even got me all the expansion packs. So when the Legacy Collection dropped, I grabbed it mostly for the nostalgia.

Yes, modders had already figured out how to make the game work on modern PCs,
but it’s nice to have an official version. It had a rocky launch, but thankfully it runs pretty smoothly now.
I ended up playing around 30 hours, reliving those cozy, chaotic sim moments.

I raised a Sim from baby to teen, sent her off to college… and then she lit herself on fire using the fireplace.
Classic Sims energy lmao. I don’t plan to play much more, but it was such a fun trip down memory lane.
If you loved it back in the day, it’s definitely worth a revisit.
- Marisa (JK)

04/06/2025 - Limbo Completion.
Current Backlog: 802
Currently Playing: 11

I played it for Pay or Play 2nd Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by Stanik.

I played Inside first and absolutely loved it—the art, the atmosphere, the storytelling without words.
So naturally, I had to go back and try Limbo, and I’m really glad I did.

Limbo has this haunting black-and-white aesthetic that immediately pulls you in. It’s eerie, lonely, and mysterious in all the right ways.
I love how the game doesn't tell you anything directly—no dialogue, no tutorial, you just wake up in the forest and start moving.
It’s up to you to figure things out, which I really appreciate in a game like this.

The puzzles in the first half were great—clever and rewarding without being overly punishing.
But I’ll be honest, the second half started leaning more into trial-and-error and super precise timing, which was less fun for me.
I prefer the more think-it-through puzzles over ones that require me to perfectly time a jump multiple times in a row.
Still, it wasn’t enough to make me quit.

It’s definitely shorter than I expected, but that worked in its favor—it’s tight, focused, and leaves an impression.
And considering it came out in 2010 (Steam release in 2011), it really holds up incredibly well.
You can definitely see how Limbo paved the way for Inside, which refined a lot of the same ideas.

If you’re into atmospheric puzzle-platformers or just love that slightly creepy, melancholic vibe,
Limbo is 100% worth experiencing—even if just to appreciate how far these devs have come.
- Marisa (JK)

09/06/2025 - Pocket Idler: Fishing Pond Completion.
Current Backlog: 802
Currently Playing: 11

I got this from a friend and gave it a shot—it’s a pretty decent idle game
if you’re looking for something super chill to run in the background.
I liked the auto stock and auto open/close features, they worked perfectly
and made it easy to just let the game do its thing.

That said, it definitely lacks depth and engagement after a while. The upgrades are fun to unlock,
but it would’ve been more interesting if they actually changed up the gameplay a bit more
or gave you more to interact with. As it is, you mostly set it up and watch the numbers go up.

If you grab it on sale or for really cheap, I’d say it’s worth a try—just don’t expect to sink tons of active hours into it
unless you enjoy these kinds of low-effort idlers. I had a pleasant enough time with it! 🎣
- Marisa (JK)

28/06/2025 - Doki Doki Literature Club Plus Completion.
Current Backlog: 807
Currently Playing: 11

I played it for Pay or Play 2nd Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by Stanik.

Doki Doki Literature Club is one of those games that really sticks with you.
I played the original ages ago and absolutely loved the experience,
so I was curious whether the Plus version would be worth picking up—and honestly, it was.
The extra side stories, music, and little behind-the-scenes details add a lot of depth
to the characters and the world. It feels like a proper love letter to fans of the original.

That said, this is absolutely a game you want to go into completely blind. Don’t Google anything,
don’t read spoilers—just play it. It’s a really unique experience that plays with expectations in some wild and clever ways.
It might be a tad overhyped (it got a lot of buzz back in the day), but it’s still very, very good and unlike anything else I’ve played.

Whether you're new to the game or revisiting it for the extras, DDLC+ is well worth checking out.

And remember...
Just Monika.
- Marisa (JK)

30/06/2025 - Gibbous - A Cthulhu Adventure Completion.
Current Backlog: 806
Currently Playing: 11

Gibbous - A Cthulhu Adventure was such a lovely surprise! It’s a point-and-click adventure packed with cosmic horror,
cults, cursed tomes... and a very sassy talking cat. The hand-painted art is gorgeous, the animation is super polished,
and the voice acting is genuinely impressive—especially considering it’s an indie game with a smaller budget.
The humor hits really well too; I found myself laughing out loud at more than a few lines.

The characters are fun and memorable (Kitteh is obviously the star),
and I really enjoyed bouncing between the three different protagonists
and unraveling the mystery across a Lovecraft-inspired world with a Transylvanian twist.

That said, there are a few nitpicks. There’s no hint system, so some of the more obscure puzzles can be a bit frustrating.
A few areas feel less polished than others, and the ending felt a little rushed—maybe setting things up for a sequel?
Also, there are some unnecessarily long conversations with side characters that don’t really add much.

But honestly, the cons are pretty minor in the grand scheme. The overall experience was fun, weird,
and charming in all the right ways. If you like classic adventure games with a dash of cosmic horror
and a lot of personality, Gibbous is definitely worth a play!
- Marisa (JK)

27/07/2025 - Bliss Valley Completion.
Current Backlog: 819
Currently Playing: 11

💙 This game was gifted to F.U.R. - Furries Under Review for review.

I got Bliss Valley for free through my curator, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but it ended up being a cute little surprise.
It’s a furry visual novel with NSFW content if you want it, but you can totally turn that off and just enjoy the dating sim vibes.

The art is super charming — cute and expressive without being overly detailed — and the characters all have distinct personalities
that make choosing who to romance actually fun. The story is light and sweet, and the date sequences feel pretty natural.
There’s also a mini-game during some of the dates that checks how well you’ve been paying attention to
your chosen character’s likes and dislikes, which is a nice touch.

Overall, Bliss Valley is a fun, casual visual novel with good vibes and just enough choices to keep you involved.
If you’re into furry VNs, it’s definitely worth a look.
- Marisa (JK)

27/07/2025 - Venba Completion.
Current Backlog: 818
Currently Playing: 11

I played it for Play or Pay 3rd Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by JK.

Venba absolutely wrecked me—in the best way possible. It’s a short narrative cooking game where you play as an Indian mom who immigrated to Canada in the 80s, and wow… what a journey. You cook traditional South Indian dishes, piece together old recipes, and navigate conversations with your family that are just so real and emotional.

It’s not just about the food (though that part is lovely and comforting); it’s about family, identity, and the quiet heartbreak of watching your child grow up in a world very different from your own. The park chapter? Yeah, I nearly had a heart attack. And by the end, I was full-on ugly crying.

The art is beautiful, the music is perfect, and even though it’s a short game, it left such a deep impression. If you’ve ever felt the pull between cultures, or just want a story that’ll hit you right in the soul—play this. Bring tissues.
- Marisa (JK)

03/08/2025 - Wall World Completion.
Current Backlog: 817
Currently Playing: 11

I played it for Play or Pay 3rd Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by Aldrow.

Wall World was a pretty interesting ride for me. You play as a guy who decides to go digging along this massive,
seemingly endless wall to find the truth about what’s out there—which is honestly a super cool concept.
The story isn’t super deep, but the mysterious world and setting pulled me in enough to keep going.

The gameplay loop is a mix of mining rogue-lite and tower defense, and I found it pretty engaging at first.
Digging into mines, finding resources, and upgrading your gear while fending off monster waves was satisfying,
and the random biomes kept things feeling fresh. I also tried some of the DLC, which was a good call
because it added a bit more depth to the story and world.

That said, it didn’t grab me enough to make me want to 100% it or stick around long-term.
Still, if you like mining games with a bit of action and want something with a unique world,
I think Wall World is worth checking out—especially since it’s priced pretty reasonably
compared to similar games like Dome Keeper.
- Marisa (JK)

05/08/2025 - Untitled Goose Game Completion.
Current Backlog: 816
Currently Playing: 11

I played it for Play or Pay 3rd Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by Aldrow.

Untitled Goose Game is just pure, honking chaos—and I mean that in the best way possible.
From the moment I waddled into the unsuspecting village as a grumpy little goose, I knew I was in for something special.
There’s no deep lore or emotional journey here—just a goose with a to-do list and a deep-rooted need to mess with everyone’s day. And it’s hilarious.

The art style is so simple yet so charming. The soft colors and storybook aesthetic make the village feel cozy and peaceful…
which is the perfect backdrop for the chaos you’re about to unleash. Whether you’re stealing someone’s glasses,
locking a kid in a phone booth, or waddling around honking like a maniac, every moment feels like you’re in on a very silly joke.

Gameplay-wise, it’s easy to pick up and really satisfying once you get into the groove of solving each mischievous puzzle.
The stealth element is light but fun—you’ll be hiding behind bushes one moment and dashing off with someone’s belongings the next.
I played it solo and had a blast, but I’m really looking forward to trying it out in co-op with my husband someday.
Two geese? Twice the trouble. Unlimited chaos.

As an achievement hunter, I found most of the achievements to be smooth sailing and really enjoyable.
That said, the timed challenges did push my patience a little. There were definitely a few moments where I had to put the controller down
before I snapped—but finally pulling them off felt so good. It struck a nice balance between “fun challenge”
and “controller yeeting frustration”, which honestly, I respect.

Overall, Untitled Goose Game is one of those rare games that doesn’t overstay its welcome.
It’s not too long, not too short, and filled with personality from start to finish. It’s the kind of game you’ll smile about long after finishing it.
Highly recommend it if you're looking for something unique, lighthearted, and just a little bit unhinged.
- Marisa (JK)

13/08/2025 - Batography Completion.
Current Backlog: 825
Currently Playing: 11

Batography is one of those short, cozy little gems that just makes you smile the whole way through.
You play as Bato, an adorable anthropomorphic bat with a camera, on a mission to take a perfect photo of the full moon.
Along the way, you wander through a sleepy, moonlit town full of quirky, sassy animal inhabitants, helping them out with small tasks,
snapping photos, and collecting mooncakes. It’s a really charming mix of exploration and light puzzle-solving,
with photography as your main way of interacting with the world.

The art and atmosphere are super cute and cozy, and I really enjoyed meeting all the different characters—each had their own personality and charm,
which made the town feel alive despite the game’s short length. The whole thing feels like a warm little bedtime story you get to play through,
and honestly, that vibe really worked for me.

It’s short, sweet, and completely free, so it doesn’t overstay its welcome. But at the same time, I finished it wishing there was more to explore,
more characters to meet, and more photos to take. If the devs ever decide to expand on this idea into a longer game, I’d be first in line to play it.

If you’re looking for something wholesome, relaxing, and unique to play in under an hour, Batography is absolutely worth your time.
It’s a small but delightful experience that leaves you with a smile.
- Marisa (JK)

15/09/2025 - Afterparty Completion.
Current Backlog: 831
Currently Playing: 11

I played it for Play or Pay 3rd Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by JK.

Afterparty is one of those games that hooked me instantly just from the premise alone — you’re Milo and Lola,
two best friends who suddenly die and end up in Hell. But here’s the twist: you can actually escape if you manage to outdrink Satan himself.
That’s the entire setup, and honestly, it’s just as wild and hilarious as it sounds. From the moment I booted it up,
I knew I was in for a different kind of underworld story — one that doesn’t take itself too seriously
but still manages to sneak in some heartfelt moments.

The thing that really sold me on this game is the dialogue. Night School Studio has a knack for writing conversations that feel natural,
funny, and just a little too relatable sometimes. Milo and Lola’s banter is great, but even the side characters in Hell shine.
Every demon, lost soul, or ferryman you meet has their own quirky personality and problems,
and it makes wandering around this weird alcoholic version of Hell super entertaining.
I especially loved Apollyon and Satan — both were standouts for me, with their voices
and lines stealing every scene they were in.

Gameplay-wise, Afterparty keeps things interesting with the different activities you can do.
There’s beer pong (which I thought was surprisingly tough at times), dance-offs that are more like Simon Says puzzles,
and my personal favorite: the chugging competitions. Plus, the drinks themselves aren’t just for show — you’ve got over 30 to try,
and each one changes up your dialogue options in funny and creative ways. Some of the names and descriptions had me cracking up.
It added this extra layer of strategy to conversations while keeping everything lighthearted.

The underworld itself is such a cool setting too. Instead of being just fire and brimstone, Hell is basically this giant city of partiers,
bars, and demons with everyday issues. You travel between islands via the River Styx, and every new area feels alive and different.
Pair that with the amazing soundtrack by SCNTFC (the same composer from Oxenfree), and the game just oozes atmosphere.
The music fits perfectly with the neon, booze-soaked chaos you find yourself in.

Overall, Afterparty is one of the most unique narrative adventures I’ve played. It’s funny, creative,
and weirdly heartfelt underneath all the jokes about drinking in Hell. I loved the characters, the banter, the ridiculous activities,
and of course, the chance to challenge Satan in a drinking contest. If you’re into narrative-driven games with clever writing and a unique setting,
I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.
- Marisa (JK)

24/09/2025 - 112 Operator Completion.
Current Backlog: 829
Currently Playing: 11

112 Operator is one of those games I thought I’d just try for a little bit and then move on, but instead it completely sucked me in.
I booted it up one evening just for funsies, and suddenly it was 4 a.m. and I’d been glued to my screen for hours.
It’s the sequel to 911 Operator, and the core loop is the same — you manage emergency services in any city in the world,
take calls, and dispatch units to deal with everything from minor accidents to full-blown disasters.

What makes it so addictive is the tension and decision-making. You never know what the next call is going to be.
One minute it’s a simple broken leg, and the next it’s an armed robbery, a fire, or even a riot. I loved the feeling of juggling resources
and making quick choices to try to keep the city running. It really tests how you prioritize and manage chaos.
Sometimes I’d be so stressed I’d laugh out loud, because where else can you send an entire SWAT team to deal with a parking violation
and a single police bike to an armed robbery?

That said, the UI definitely has its quirks. When multiple units are sitting in the same location, it can be frustrating to select the right one.
It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something that tripped me up a lot during the more hectic scenarios. It feels like the game could use a bit of polish
in that area to make the experience smoother, especially since things can get really frantic in the later stages.

I ended up 100%-ing the game, and while I had a blast, I wasn’t super impressed with most of the DLC scenarios.
They felt a little flat compared to the base game. The Last Stand DLC, though, was a neat change of pace — throwing you
into a zombie apocalypse situation was unexpected and pretty fun to deal with, even if it was more of a novelty than something I’d replay.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend 112 Operator if you like management games with a lot of tension and problem-solving.
Just be warned: it can eat up hours of your time before you even realize it. My biggest piece of advice,
though, is to grab it on a good sale or in a bundle. At full price, I don’t think it quite justifies the cost, but on discount? It’s absolutely worth diving into.
- Marisa (JK)

02/10/2025 - Chirality Completion.
Current Backlog: 833
Currently Playing: 11

I won this game through SteamGifts and I played it for Play or Pay 4th Cycle of 2025 and it was picked for me by Fynyx.

I really wanted to like Chirality, but honestly, it was pretty disappointing.
The art is gorgeous — that’s easily the best part of the whole game — but everything else just kind of falls flat.
The story had potential, but it’s messy, hard to follow, and the English translation feels like it was run through Google Translate.
It’s full of weird phrasing and grammar issues, which completely kills any emotional impact the story might’ve had.

On the NSFW side, the game doesn’t require any extra patching, which is nice, and the adult scenes are handled well enough overall.
That being said, one of them is non-consensual, so definitely keep that in mind if that’s something you’d rather avoid.

Overall, even with the nice visuals, I can’t really recommend the game.
The writing and translation are just too rough to make it enjoyable for me personally, and the story never finds its footing.
Unless you’re purely in it for the art, I’d say skip this one.
- Marisa (JK)

12/10/2025 - Monument Valley II Completion.
Current Backlog: 835
Currently Playing: 11

I honestly went into Monument Valley 2 thinking there was no way it could top the first game — but wow, I was wrong.
It’s absolutely stunning. The art is even more colorful, bright, and full of life this time around, and the music? Just beautiful.
It somehow manages to be calming and emotional at the same time, perfectly matching the gentle pace of the game.

The story follows Ro and her journey through motherhood, and while it’s simple, it’s also really touching.
The way it tells a story without many words feels so natural — you just get it through the visuals and movement.
I love how the game captures that feeling of connection and independence in such a subtle way.

Gameplay-wise, it’s the same relaxing, meditative puzzle experience I loved from the first game,
but with new mechanics and environment types to keep things fresh. None of the puzzles were super challenging,
but that’s kind of the charm — it’s not meant to frustrate you. It gives you just enough of a brain tease
to keep you engaged while still feeling peaceful.

It’s the perfect game to unwind with — something you can sink into for an hour or two and just breathe.
I finished it with a big smile and immediately added the third game to my wishlist.
If you enjoyed the first Monument Valley, you’re going to love this one even more.
- Marisa (JK)

12/10/2025 - Monument Valley II Completion.
Current Backlog: 835
Currently Playing: 11

I honestly went into Monument Valley 2 thinking there was no way it could top the first game — but wow, I was wrong.
It’s absolutely stunning. The art is even more colorful, bright, and full of life this time around, and the music? Just beautiful.
It somehow manages to be calming and emotional at the same time, perfectly matching the gentle pace of the game.

The story follows Ro and her journey through motherhood, and while it’s simple, it’s also really touching.
The way it tells a story without many words feels so natural — you just get it through the visuals and movement.
I love how the game captures that feeling of connection and independence in such a subtle way.

Gameplay-wise, it’s the same relaxing, meditative puzzle experience I loved from the first game,
but with new mechanics and environment types to keep things fresh. None of the puzzles were super challenging,
but that’s kind of the charm — it’s not meant to frustrate you. It gives you just enough of a brain tease
to keep you engaged while still feeling peaceful.

It’s the perfect game to unwind with — something you can sink into for an hour or two and just breathe.
I finished it with a big smile and immediately added the third game to my wishlist.
If you enjoyed the first Monument Valley, you’re going to love this one even more.
- Marisa (JK)

I just finished the first one a few weeks ago though I still have the DLC, but I have 2 waiting too, so this is great to hear <3