I don't judge a game based on the size of the studio or campare the studio's other games. I do however take gameplay, length, and price into account. I also only review games that fit genres I like, there's no point in rating a game that I wouldn't like regardless, it doesn't help others and is not "classy".
For those that have seen the increase of AAA games price going from 60$>>>70$, I strongly encourage looking into indie games. Not only are they cheaper on average, but the game is often more innovative and supports the individuals handcrafting them VS corporations.
Examples of great indie games include: Stardew Valley, Celeste, The Binding of Isaac,
and even Toby Fox's Undertale.
The review will have a spoiler button if I deem any of the content a spoiler for the game's story.
Developer: Coffee Stain Studios
Publisher: Coffee Stain Studios
Platform: PC
Genre: Resource Management, Factory, Sandbox
Satisfactory is a first-person factory builder that puts you in an unknown planet with the goal of utilizing its lush resources to produce goods that can be used to progress and upgrade your factory. The visuals are very well done with a unique style that compliments it well. Just as you begin to reach your factory's limit a new resource becomes collectable and with it even more options for production. I do understand this sort of getting better just to be better isn't for everyone but I felt the relaxing tone it gave was a nice contrast to other games that require focus constantly. I could take hours just running around doing nothing while my minors automatically gathered iron and copper. Or I could plan out a new layout for an upcoming factory. Heck if trains are your thing you could automate a rail system and catch a ride back and forth as it moves materials from factory to factory.
Developer: Daniel Mullins Games
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
Genre: Deckbuilding, Roguelike, Puzzle
It is very hard to review Inscyption without spoiling it, but I'll give it a shot. Similar to Undertale, Inscyption is best played blind. Waking up within a cabin, you must outplay the game master of sorts in a sacrifice based roguelike deckbuilder. You have to play weaker cards in your hand to offer enough blood to satisfy your heavy hitters. The story is rich and tells of something MUCH bigger happening behind the scenes. In order to get an understanding of the world you find yourself in, you must work alongside some special cards that have more than a mind of their own. At points you are demanded to get up from your game board and take a look around. Rather quickly you will discover that defeating the keeper of the cabin is only half the puzzle...
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
Genre: First-person Shooter
This game is a masterpiece, beautiful story, amazing sound, awesome visuals, outstanding game mechanics. The only thing keeping this game from a 10/10 is the sort of abandonment Titanfall has gone through, more on that later. The story is quite complex, but put simply
Developer: Bungie Inc.
Publisher: Bungie Inc.
Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
Genre: First-person Shooter, Massive Multiplayer Online
Developer: Toby Fox
Publisher: Toby Fox
Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
Genre: Role-playing, Adventure
Developer: Dodge Roll, Mythic Entertainment, 22nd Century Toys LLC
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
Genre: Roguelike, Bullet-hell
Enter the Gungeon might possibly be one of the silliest, most creative games I have played. The story sees you, a adventurer wanting to kill their past, finding odd firearms, flipping tables, and gunning down living bullets with guns of their own. While it's gameplay is grounded in "dodge stuff, shoot things", the way you do it feels awesome and unique. Every weapon and passive feels clever and special. Synergies keep things fresh. Bosses are difficult resulting in a great feeling upon finally defeating one. The graphics are pixel based which is backed by the visual gags and humor. The music matches the mood and atmosphere the game is presenting.