Easter Review Backlog - Playing through games ready for the Easter Break!

Hey everyone, welcome the XPN Gaming! My name is Ash and I am here to tell you about a handful of games I have been playing recently! Here at XPN I have reviewed around 1500 video games either as written reviews on this lovely website, or as video reviews over on our youtube and tiktok channels (which you should all go and subscribe to if you haven't already!) I try to make reviews for every game we get sent/offered, no matter what the game is or no matter how big/small the developer is, but sometimes this does mean I get a little overloaded (especially at certain parts of the year when every game seems to release all at the same time). So over the recent school half term and upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend I have made a conscious effort to clear out some of the games that have so far, slipped through getting the review treatment they deserve! In this first of a couple of articles, I will be reviewing a handful of games across different genres and platforms for you all! So take a look below and let me know which is your favourite!

Deceit 2 is a multiplayer horror game where trust is scarce and deception runs rampant. In each match, you and other players are plunged into a creepy setting, with some secretly working against the team. Your challenge is to figure out who to trust amid the suspense and unpredictable twists, whether you're fighting to survive or sowing chaos.

Deceit 2 is a cool multiplayer game that blends horror vibes with social deduction. You never really know who’s on your side, and that mix of trust and betrayal makes every round a wild ride. The game’s got a spooky atmosphere that throws in enough backstory to keep things interesting without bogging you down. It leans into familiar horror themes, so if you’re a fan of creepy setups and unexpected twists, you’ll dig it.

Gameplay-wise, the addition of new roles like the Guardian spices things up, letting you rescue teammates when the situation gets dicey. Although the tutorial and user interface can feel a bit clunky at first, getting into the game is totally worth it for the thrill of figuring out who’s lying.

Overall, if you enjoy frantic sessions with friends where deception is the name of the game, Deceit 2 is a solid pick. It might not be perfect, but its blend of horror and strategy makes for some seriously fun, unpredictable moments - just make sure you have friends on hand to play with otherwise it may not be as enjoyable to you.

XPN Rating: 3 out of 5 (SILVER)

Xbox

Melobot – A Last Song is a interesting adventure where you play as a musical robot exploring a decaying yet bright and stunning world. The game centres on tuning into the melodies of alien plants, blending casual rhythm challenges with the magic of artistic exploration. With its Pixar-meets-Ghibli inspired visuals and a heartfelt narrative, it offers a refreshing mix of relaxed gameplay and enchanting storytelling.

Melobot – A Last Song is a quirky, chill game that puts you in the shoes of an adorable musical robot exploring a fading, yet charming world. The gameplay loop sees you matching catchy tunes from mysterious alien plants—a concept that's simple enough to be relaxing but engaging enough to keep you intrigued. The rhythmic challenges aren’t overly demanding, making it a perfect pick if you’re looking to unwind without a steep learning curve.

Visually, the game truly pops with a style that reminds you of Pixar's bright, warm charm mixed with the imaginative flair of a Studio Ghibli world. The colourful, animated backdrops create a dreamy atmosphere that draws you into its peaceful yet playful universe. While the on-screen cues can feel a bit too generous sometimes, they ensure you’re never totally lost in the melody. All in all, Melobot – A Last Song is a delightful experience with a nice musical concept!

XPN Rating: 3 out of 5 (SILVER)

Xbox

Liberte is a deck-builder roguelite that throws you into an alternate French Revolution, blending history with a touch of body horror. Set in a reimagined, chaotic Paris, you step into the shoes of a daring resistance fighter navigating war-torn streets and surreal, eldritch encounters. With strategic card-based combat and a narrative that marries real historical tension with bizarre horror elements, the game offers a refreshing twist for those looking to experience a unique blend of strategy and storytelling.

Liberte is this wild, off-the-wall indie game that throws you into an alternate French Revolution, combining deck-building, roguelite action with a healthy dose of eldritch horror. You play as a resistance fighter fighting through Paris while facing bizarre threats, like a Lovecraftian force that really gives the whole revolution a surreal twist. The art and narrative definitely stand out, injecting a fresh, quirky vibe into the mix.

That said, the game can feel a bit rough around the edges. While its ambitions and unique setting are a breath of fresh air, gameplay sometimes falls into repetitiveness with glitches and grinds that drag down the overall experience. If you’re into indie titles that mix strategic card battles with dark, historical flair and you don't mind overlooking a few rough patches, then Liberte might just be your kind of thing.

XPN Rating: 3 out of 5 (SILVER)

Xbox

PRIM is a darkly humorous point-and-click adventure that follows teenage Prim as she discovers that her father is, in fact, Death. Set against a striking black-and-white aesthetic, players navigate surreal puzzles and snappy dialogue in a realm that blends gothic charm with an offbeat sense of humour. The game masterfully interweaves themes of identity, duty, and mortality into every cleverly crafted scene.

I recently played PRIM and found it to be a charming blend of dark humour and clever puzzles. The game pays homage to classic point-and-click adventures such as Monkey Island and all the Double Fine games, with puzzles that feel like natural pieces of the narrative and aren't extremely difficult, and the witty dialogue keeps the tone light even when the themes get pretty deep.

Visually, PRIM stands out with its black and white colour palette. The minimalist design isn’t just a stylistic choice; it perfectly mirrors the game’s eerie yet whimsical narrative. Characters are crafted with just enough personality to make every interaction memorable, and the overall atmosphere strikes a delightful balance between the macabre and the humorous.

Overall, PRIM is a refreshing indie gem that makes me feel like I'm back on my old chunky PC playing adventure games for hours and hours! I have loved every minute of my time playing it and scratching that point and click itch!

XPN Rating: 5 out of 5 (Platinum)

STEAM

All games were reviewed with provided codes from publishers/developers/pr - a huge thanks for that! If you want to check out one of my full reviews - you can read my review of Tales of Graces F Remastered HERE.