Recent reviews by Syntax

This game does a great job blending risk and reward, especially with the way area-of-effect spells can hit both enemies and allies. The pacing feels just right—you can grow powerful, but the game never hands it to you. Upgrades really matter with the rarity rolls, and it’s satisfying to see how each one changes the way you play without overwhelming you with choices.

Environmental hazards, like magma vents and slippery ice, add an extra layer of strategy. There’s a great use of knowledge gates, and a sense of satisfaction in figuring out how to use the environment to your advantage, whether it’s slowing down enemies in bushes or setting off a chain of explosive reactions that feel like combos.

Helldivers 2 was a blast with its bug-squashing chaos, but its demand for Steam players to link their accounts to PlayStation Network feels like a misfire. As someone who's had their PlayStation account hacked before, this requirement is more frustrating than fun. Why should I compromise my online security just to enjoy the game? Developers, let's keep the battles on-screen, not in account settings.

So, Thor from Pirate Studios recently clued me into this game while watching one of his videos, and it's a refreshing take on the classic hidden object genre. Picture a modern twist on Where's Waldo, where you're scouring the scene to uncover a bunch of hidden objects. Unlike the ones I'd breeze through at the dentist's office as a kid, this one is interactive and seriously well-crafted. What really grabbed me were these playful hints that assisted me in tracking down the characters. Before you dive into the expansive maps, there are these small levels that smoothly introduce new features. It's like a tutorial, but a more tasteful approach with experiential learning, reminiscent of the nostalgic hits where I'd learn a new controller or game by just clicking around and seeing how things responded.

The maps vary from jam-packed to wide open, keeping things interesting. Each character brings cool, distinct traits to the search, making it a real blast. The game's got this genius move with home grown sound effects. It's definitely the cherry on top of the whole experience. So, if you're into hidden object games that strike a great balance between challenging and a good time, and you enjoy a bit of whimsical charm, Hidden Folks is absolutely worth checking out. Seriously, give it a shot.