Pascal Tekaia

Boxes: Lost Fragments review

Big Loop Studios’ pedigree in the puzzle box space shows through in Boxes: Lost Fragments, a brief but fun foray into a world of creativity and sheer imagination... Read more

Not all aspects bridge the decades-long gap seamlessly, but as a modern re-imagining, Alone in the Dark is at once a comprehensive love letter to the venerated original and hands-down one of the best forays into Lovecraftian horror yet. ... Read more

The Will of Arthur Flabbington review

Other than the odd puzzle frustration, The Will of Arthur Flabbington offers plenty of nostalgia, laughs and a gauntlet of inventory-based brainteasers that is sure to stretch your creative thinking when glued to your screen and keep you thoughtfully pondering when away from it... Read more

The Invincible review – Powerful storytelling vehicle inspired by Stanisław Lem novel features as much science as fiction

Based on the 1964 hard sci-fi novel of the same name, The Invincible tells a mature, thought-provoking story about a research team’s discoveries on a distant planet. While the gameplay isn’t much to write home about, the smartly presented experience is nevertheless out of this world... Read more

Hauma: A Detective Noir Story review – Occasionally misfires but an honest-to-goodness graphic novel-style mystery

While there are certainly aspects that work in Hauma’s graphic novel-styled exploration through Munich to unearth a mystery about an ancient relic spanning the ages, the game’s pacing and finicky inventory puzzles demand some patience to get to its best stuff... Read more

The Creepy Syndrome review – Promising retro short story anthology afflicted by lack of depth and any real scares

The idea behind this quirky anthology of four very distinct anecdotes is commendable, but its blink-and-you-missed-it brevity does not pair well with its already limited chill factor, leaving The Creepy Syndrome feeling not particularly worthwhile... Read more

The Tartarus Key review – Plenty of captivating escape room-style fun to be unlocked in this nostalgic PS1-era throwback

Those who fondly remember cracking conundrums in The 7th Guest’s Stauf Mansion or feel nostalgic for the early 3D graphics of Resident Evil’s Spencer Mansion will feel right at home in The Tartarus Key, with its plethora of engaging puzzles and well-written cast that’ll welcome you in and make your stay a memorable one... Read more

Fort Solis review – Martian outpost thriller holds the scares but shines brightly in its atmospheric sci-fi exploration

Its compelling narrative and sci-fi environment make Fort Solis a welcome addition to the portfolio of thrillers that have sent us into outer space, even if this particular journey punches a little below the best in terms of emotional payoff and scare factor... Read more

The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales review – Isometric science fantasy adventure/RPG takes novel approach to storytelling

The Bookwalker isn’t about inventing new wheels but combining familiar concepts in intriguing ways, ably marrying point-and-click adventuring and turn-based combat to provide a dark world to explore, filled with surprises that are ultimately more intriguing than its grand finale... Read more

RE:CALL review – Retro-RPG-styled blend of elements makes some interesting if not totally successful choices

Combining several gameplay styles with a protagonist-switching, fourth-wall-breaking story makes RE:CALL feel almost experimental at times. But since its disparate elements ultimately work reasonably well together, it’s an experiment in storytelling that could be worth checking out... Read more

Amnesia: The Bunker review – Frictional’s memorable survival horror sequel emerges as one of the series’ best

With The Bunker, Frictional has boiled the series’ gameplay formula down to its most salient and effective horror elements while trimming any excessive fat. For fans of horror, only three words are necessary: go play it... Read more

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me review – A few reservations about Supermassive’s horror season finale

While Supermassive’s formula is starting to need a bit of a punch-up, and the H. H. Holmes Murder Castle is surprisingly less compelling than the earlier anthology settings, The Devil in Me is still a solid slasher story for horror fans to enjoy... Read more

Deliver Us Mars review – Solid sci-fi sequel roves farther but lands a little short of predecessor

A sequel that’s put in the work to expand its predecessor’s horizons is commendable, but for Deliver Us Mars this doesn’t always work out perfectly. Still, it offers another thrilling adventure for deep-space explorers, with welcome character moments that make it a little less solitary this time around... Read more

Edengate: The Edge of Life review – Lack of engagement a barrier to enjoyment

Edengate teases a thrilling tale of a town overrun by otherworldly events, but both its story and gameplay are so threadbare that it ends up falling far short of the mark... Read more

Children of Silentown review – Hums right along until puzzle repetition gets old

Your investment might begin to weaken in the later stages, but Children of Silentown is a worthwhile debut showcase of a developer able to tap into a personal, emotional narrative core... Read more

Contact form

Posts by Pascal Tekaia