Janice Towel 🌾🦇🌑
@lookanddespair.bsky.social
Enough of this terror, we deserve to know light
Top (🌈): Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A testament to why many of the all-time best games were turn-based RPGs. The developers have a deep love and strong understanding of what made JRPGs great, and in many ways this game is even better than its inspirations. A must-play and truly one of the GOATs
A testament to why many of the all-time best games were turn-based RPGs. The developers have a deep love and strong understanding of what made JRPGs great, and in many ways this game is even better than its inspirations. A must-play and truly one of the GOATs
June 18, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Top (🌈): Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A testament to why many of the all-time best games were turn-based RPGs. The developers have a deep love and strong understanding of what made JRPGs great, and in many ways this game is even better than its inspirations. A must-play and truly one of the GOATs
A testament to why many of the all-time best games were turn-based RPGs. The developers have a deep love and strong understanding of what made JRPGs great, and in many ways this game is even better than its inspirations. A must-play and truly one of the GOATs
S (⭐): Blue Prince
I love a first-person puzzle exploration game, and Blue Prince is a masterful example of why: a gripping mystery, a tight gameplay loop, and environments that are a delight to uncover and explore. It was a “water cooler” game in spring 2025 and a joy to figure out with friends
I love a first-person puzzle exploration game, and Blue Prince is a masterful example of why: a gripping mystery, a tight gameplay loop, and environments that are a delight to uncover and explore. It was a “water cooler” game in spring 2025 and a joy to figure out with friends
June 18, 2025 at 7:25 PM
S (⭐): Blue Prince
I love a first-person puzzle exploration game, and Blue Prince is a masterful example of why: a gripping mystery, a tight gameplay loop, and environments that are a delight to uncover and explore. It was a “water cooler” game in spring 2025 and a joy to figure out with friends
I love a first-person puzzle exploration game, and Blue Prince is a masterful example of why: a gripping mystery, a tight gameplay loop, and environments that are a delight to uncover and explore. It was a “water cooler” game in spring 2025 and a joy to figure out with friends
1 (🌈): Outer Wilds
The running joke is that this game's fans are so obsessed they insist new players go in blind, refusing to explain anything about the game they're recommending. I'll only say that exploring this solar system is magical, and the DLC is just as fantastic. No other game comes close.
The running joke is that this game's fans are so obsessed they insist new players go in blind, refusing to explain anything about the game they're recommending. I'll only say that exploring this solar system is magical, and the DLC is just as fantastic. No other game comes close.
April 18, 2025 at 6:25 PM
1 (🌈): Outer Wilds
The running joke is that this game's fans are so obsessed they insist new players go in blind, refusing to explain anything about the game they're recommending. I'll only say that exploring this solar system is magical, and the DLC is just as fantastic. No other game comes close.
The running joke is that this game's fans are so obsessed they insist new players go in blind, refusing to explain anything about the game they're recommending. I'll only say that exploring this solar system is magical, and the DLC is just as fantastic. No other game comes close.
2 (🌈): Fez
Fez's multilayered psychedelic puzzles and beautiful green-grass blue-sky world deliver the best rabbit hole I've ever had the pleasure of diving into. Its 2D-3D design and meta mysteries are a joy to pick apart to 100% completion and its music is my most listened to videogame OST, ever.
Fez's multilayered psychedelic puzzles and beautiful green-grass blue-sky world deliver the best rabbit hole I've ever had the pleasure of diving into. Its 2D-3D design and meta mysteries are a joy to pick apart to 100% completion and its music is my most listened to videogame OST, ever.
April 18, 2025 at 6:19 PM
2 (🌈): Fez
Fez's multilayered psychedelic puzzles and beautiful green-grass blue-sky world deliver the best rabbit hole I've ever had the pleasure of diving into. Its 2D-3D design and meta mysteries are a joy to pick apart to 100% completion and its music is my most listened to videogame OST, ever.
Fez's multilayered psychedelic puzzles and beautiful green-grass blue-sky world deliver the best rabbit hole I've ever had the pleasure of diving into. Its 2D-3D design and meta mysteries are a joy to pick apart to 100% completion and its music is my most listened to videogame OST, ever.
3 (🌈): Undertale / Deltarune
It's hard for me to fully express how much these games mean to me. They are hilarious, moving and above all wonderfully strange. Undertale and Deltarune subvert expectations in ways that only a game made by an unrestricted independent creator can. And that soundtrack!
It's hard for me to fully express how much these games mean to me. They are hilarious, moving and above all wonderfully strange. Undertale and Deltarune subvert expectations in ways that only a game made by an unrestricted independent creator can. And that soundtrack!
April 18, 2025 at 6:16 PM
3 (🌈): Undertale / Deltarune
It's hard for me to fully express how much these games mean to me. They are hilarious, moving and above all wonderfully strange. Undertale and Deltarune subvert expectations in ways that only a game made by an unrestricted independent creator can. And that soundtrack!
It's hard for me to fully express how much these games mean to me. They are hilarious, moving and above all wonderfully strange. Undertale and Deltarune subvert expectations in ways that only a game made by an unrestricted independent creator can. And that soundtrack!
4 (🌈): Celeste
This is the game of my childhood dreams. In its thoughtfully bespoke level design Celeste is the heir to the Mario games I grew up with. Nothing made yet has more joyful platforming, and an emotionally resonant story and perfect soundtrack make Celeste a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This is the game of my childhood dreams. In its thoughtfully bespoke level design Celeste is the heir to the Mario games I grew up with. Nothing made yet has more joyful platforming, and an emotionally resonant story and perfect soundtrack make Celeste a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
April 18, 2025 at 6:15 PM
4 (🌈): Celeste
This is the game of my childhood dreams. In its thoughtfully bespoke level design Celeste is the heir to the Mario games I grew up with. Nothing made yet has more joyful platforming, and an emotionally resonant story and perfect soundtrack make Celeste a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This is the game of my childhood dreams. In its thoughtfully bespoke level design Celeste is the heir to the Mario games I grew up with. Nothing made yet has more joyful platforming, and an emotionally resonant story and perfect soundtrack make Celeste a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
so dehydrated today 😞
March 25, 2025 at 11:40 PM
so dehydrated today 😞
So glad to have this little gremlin in my corner during Times Like These
March 16, 2025 at 5:35 PM
So glad to have this little gremlin in my corner during Times Like These
5 (🌈): Hades
This studio had made some great games (Bastion, Transistor), and Hades felt like a culmination of not just what they'd learned, but of the long history of videogames. Its perfectly tuned gameplay, satisfying roguelite systems, and rampant bisexuality are truly an ideal yet to be matched
This studio had made some great games (Bastion, Transistor), and Hades felt like a culmination of not just what they'd learned, but of the long history of videogames. Its perfectly tuned gameplay, satisfying roguelite systems, and rampant bisexuality are truly an ideal yet to be matched
March 11, 2025 at 3:08 AM
5 (🌈): Hades
This studio had made some great games (Bastion, Transistor), and Hades felt like a culmination of not just what they'd learned, but of the long history of videogames. Its perfectly tuned gameplay, satisfying roguelite systems, and rampant bisexuality are truly an ideal yet to be matched
This studio had made some great games (Bastion, Transistor), and Hades felt like a culmination of not just what they'd learned, but of the long history of videogames. Its perfectly tuned gameplay, satisfying roguelite systems, and rampant bisexuality are truly an ideal yet to be matched
6 (🌈): Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight and its DLC expansions are a platonic ideal NES platformer. I am so grateful indies have revived past genres, and Shovel Knight (from the soundtrack to the story to the three DLC characters with totally new movesets) is a masterful retro experience
Shovel Knight and its DLC expansions are a platonic ideal NES platformer. I am so grateful indies have revived past genres, and Shovel Knight (from the soundtrack to the story to the three DLC characters with totally new movesets) is a masterful retro experience
March 11, 2025 at 2:57 AM
6 (🌈): Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight and its DLC expansions are a platonic ideal NES platformer. I am so grateful indies have revived past genres, and Shovel Knight (from the soundtrack to the story to the three DLC characters with totally new movesets) is a masterful retro experience
Shovel Knight and its DLC expansions are a platonic ideal NES platformer. I am so grateful indies have revived past genres, and Shovel Knight (from the soundtrack to the story to the three DLC characters with totally new movesets) is a masterful retro experience
7 (🌈): Ori and the Blind Forest / Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Both of these games are a thrill to play from beginning to end. Their perfectly tuned action and platforming that evolve as you gain new abilities combine with dynamic cinematic set pieces to create an unforgettable experience.
Both of these games are a thrill to play from beginning to end. Their perfectly tuned action and platforming that evolve as you gain new abilities combine with dynamic cinematic set pieces to create an unforgettable experience.
March 11, 2025 at 2:46 AM
7 (🌈): Ori and the Blind Forest / Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Both of these games are a thrill to play from beginning to end. Their perfectly tuned action and platforming that evolve as you gain new abilities combine with dynamic cinematic set pieces to create an unforgettable experience.
Both of these games are a thrill to play from beginning to end. Their perfectly tuned action and platforming that evolve as you gain new abilities combine with dynamic cinematic set pieces to create an unforgettable experience.
8 (🌈): What Remains of Edith Finch
This game is a triumph in storytelling because it highlights the unique interactive strength of videogames. I loved exploring the house and learning about each distinct family member, and it was so cool to see what type of gameplay or aesthetic awaited me each time
This game is a triumph in storytelling because it highlights the unique interactive strength of videogames. I loved exploring the house and learning about each distinct family member, and it was so cool to see what type of gameplay or aesthetic awaited me each time
March 11, 2025 at 2:39 AM
8 (🌈): What Remains of Edith Finch
This game is a triumph in storytelling because it highlights the unique interactive strength of videogames. I loved exploring the house and learning about each distinct family member, and it was so cool to see what type of gameplay or aesthetic awaited me each time
This game is a triumph in storytelling because it highlights the unique interactive strength of videogames. I loved exploring the house and learning about each distinct family member, and it was so cool to see what type of gameplay or aesthetic awaited me each time
9 (🌈): Hollow Knight
This game is beloved for a reason: it has perfectly balanced difficulty, beautiful and moody biomes, cool insect mythology, and it is likely the best-executed metroidvania of all time. That a small team could outdo Nintendo and peak Konami is proof of the power of indie games.
This game is beloved for a reason: it has perfectly balanced difficulty, beautiful and moody biomes, cool insect mythology, and it is likely the best-executed metroidvania of all time. That a small team could outdo Nintendo and peak Konami is proof of the power of indie games.
March 11, 2025 at 2:29 AM
9 (🌈): Hollow Knight
This game is beloved for a reason: it has perfectly balanced difficulty, beautiful and moody biomes, cool insect mythology, and it is likely the best-executed metroidvania of all time. That a small team could outdo Nintendo and peak Konami is proof of the power of indie games.
This game is beloved for a reason: it has perfectly balanced difficulty, beautiful and moody biomes, cool insect mythology, and it is likely the best-executed metroidvania of all time. That a small team could outdo Nintendo and peak Konami is proof of the power of indie games.
10 (🌈): Disco Elysium
It's hard to know what to say about a game that's had so many thinkpieces written about it. It took me three tries before I finally got into Disco Elysium, but I'm glad I kept going. Be sure to play it with voice acting, and take your time to savor this weird and moving game
It's hard to know what to say about a game that's had so many thinkpieces written about it. It took me three tries before I finally got into Disco Elysium, but I'm glad I kept going. Be sure to play it with voice acting, and take your time to savor this weird and moving game
March 11, 2025 at 2:20 AM
10 (🌈): Disco Elysium
It's hard to know what to say about a game that's had so many thinkpieces written about it. It took me three tries before I finally got into Disco Elysium, but I'm glad I kept going. Be sure to play it with voice acting, and take your time to savor this weird and moving game
It's hard to know what to say about a game that's had so many thinkpieces written about it. It took me three tries before I finally got into Disco Elysium, but I'm glad I kept going. Be sure to play it with voice acting, and take your time to savor this weird and moving game
11 (🌈): Limbo / Inside
Limbo and its follow-up Inside are small (about 3 hours each) but they are a perfect pair, so I thought I would combine them for this list. These games are harrowing and intense, with meticulously developed vibes that helped to pave the way for understanding videogames as art.
Limbo and its follow-up Inside are small (about 3 hours each) but they are a perfect pair, so I thought I would combine them for this list. These games are harrowing and intense, with meticulously developed vibes that helped to pave the way for understanding videogames as art.
March 11, 2025 at 2:12 AM
11 (🌈): Limbo / Inside
Limbo and its follow-up Inside are small (about 3 hours each) but they are a perfect pair, so I thought I would combine them for this list. These games are harrowing and intense, with meticulously developed vibes that helped to pave the way for understanding videogames as art.
Limbo and its follow-up Inside are small (about 3 hours each) but they are a perfect pair, so I thought I would combine them for this list. These games are harrowing and intense, with meticulously developed vibes that helped to pave the way for understanding videogames as art.
12 (🌈): 1000xResist
This is one of the true great videogame narratives, up there with FF7 and Last of Us 1+2. I love sci-fi, and 1000xResist's story and characters are some of the best in any medium. If you enjoy story-driven games, skip the trailer and dive right in for an unforgettable experience.
This is one of the true great videogame narratives, up there with FF7 and Last of Us 1+2. I love sci-fi, and 1000xResist's story and characters are some of the best in any medium. If you enjoy story-driven games, skip the trailer and dive right in for an unforgettable experience.
March 11, 2025 at 1:51 AM
12 (🌈): 1000xResist
This is one of the true great videogame narratives, up there with FF7 and Last of Us 1+2. I love sci-fi, and 1000xResist's story and characters are some of the best in any medium. If you enjoy story-driven games, skip the trailer and dive right in for an unforgettable experience.
This is one of the true great videogame narratives, up there with FF7 and Last of Us 1+2. I love sci-fi, and 1000xResist's story and characters are some of the best in any medium. If you enjoy story-driven games, skip the trailer and dive right in for an unforgettable experience.
13 (🌈): Slay the Spire
A deck-building roguelite sounds like it could be tedious, but anyone who has played this game will tell you that its systems truly sing. With so many builds to try among its four characters with distinct decks and passives, it is easily my most-played game on this list.
A deck-building roguelite sounds like it could be tedious, but anyone who has played this game will tell you that its systems truly sing. With so many builds to try among its four characters with distinct decks and passives, it is easily my most-played game on this list.
March 11, 2025 at 1:37 AM
13 (🌈): Slay the Spire
A deck-building roguelite sounds like it could be tedious, but anyone who has played this game will tell you that its systems truly sing. With so many builds to try among its four characters with distinct decks and passives, it is easily my most-played game on this list.
A deck-building roguelite sounds like it could be tedious, but anyone who has played this game will tell you that its systems truly sing. With so many builds to try among its four characters with distinct decks and passives, it is easily my most-played game on this list.
14 (🌈): Stardew Valley
This is the perfect cozy game. I played it remotely with friend during the pandemic, but there are so many ways to approach Stardew Valley, and so much joy and comfort to be found here. It was so cool to see which systems each of my friends chose to engage with deeply.
This is the perfect cozy game. I played it remotely with friend during the pandemic, but there are so many ways to approach Stardew Valley, and so much joy and comfort to be found here. It was so cool to see which systems each of my friends chose to engage with deeply.
March 11, 2025 at 12:41 AM
14 (🌈): Stardew Valley
This is the perfect cozy game. I played it remotely with friend during the pandemic, but there are so many ways to approach Stardew Valley, and so much joy and comfort to be found here. It was so cool to see which systems each of my friends chose to engage with deeply.
This is the perfect cozy game. I played it remotely with friend during the pandemic, but there are so many ways to approach Stardew Valley, and so much joy and comfort to be found here. It was so cool to see which systems each of my friends chose to engage with deeply.
15 (🌈): It Takes Two
If this game didn't have such a terrible story and embarrassing dialogue I would probably rank it even higher! This is some of the most joyful and imaginative gameplay I've ever experienced, and its varied implementation of teamwork mechanics takes it to another level.
If this game didn't have such a terrible story and embarrassing dialogue I would probably rank it even higher! This is some of the most joyful and imaginative gameplay I've ever experienced, and its varied implementation of teamwork mechanics takes it to another level.
March 7, 2025 at 8:12 PM
15 (🌈): It Takes Two
If this game didn't have such a terrible story and embarrassing dialogue I would probably rank it even higher! This is some of the most joyful and imaginative gameplay I've ever experienced, and its varied implementation of teamwork mechanics takes it to another level.
If this game didn't have such a terrible story and embarrassing dialogue I would probably rank it even higher! This is some of the most joyful and imaginative gameplay I've ever experienced, and its varied implementation of teamwork mechanics takes it to another level.
16 (🌈): Journey
Does this list need to have a tier above S (⭐)? Of course it does, because indie games provide the best experiences available in any media format. The first game I have in this top (aka 🌈) tier is an early examples of this. At just 4 hours long, it is an unforgettable experience.
Does this list need to have a tier above S (⭐)? Of course it does, because indie games provide the best experiences available in any media format. The first game I have in this top (aka 🌈) tier is an early examples of this. At just 4 hours long, it is an unforgettable experience.
March 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
16 (🌈): Journey
Does this list need to have a tier above S (⭐)? Of course it does, because indie games provide the best experiences available in any media format. The first game I have in this top (aka 🌈) tier is an early examples of this. At just 4 hours long, it is an unforgettable experience.
Does this list need to have a tier above S (⭐)? Of course it does, because indie games provide the best experiences available in any media format. The first game I have in this top (aka 🌈) tier is an early examples of this. At just 4 hours long, it is an unforgettable experience.
17 (⭐): UFO 50
I am over 200 hours into UFO 50, and each of its 50 full NES-style games has sparked joy in one way or another (except for Block Koala and Combatants). The incredible visual styles and variety of gameplay/genre make this a must-buy for any lover of retro games.
I am over 200 hours into UFO 50, and each of its 50 full NES-style games has sparked joy in one way or another (except for Block Koala and Combatants). The incredible visual styles and variety of gameplay/genre make this a must-buy for any lover of retro games.
March 7, 2025 at 7:45 PM
17 (⭐): UFO 50
I am over 200 hours into UFO 50, and each of its 50 full NES-style games has sparked joy in one way or another (except for Block Koala and Combatants). The incredible visual styles and variety of gameplay/genre make this a must-buy for any lover of retro games.
I am over 200 hours into UFO 50, and each of its 50 full NES-style games has sparked joy in one way or another (except for Block Koala and Combatants). The incredible visual styles and variety of gameplay/genre make this a must-buy for any lover of retro games.
18 (⭐): Tunic
Tunic features one of the the coolest meta components I've ever encountered in a videogame. As you progress, you'll uncover pages from an instruction manual that reveal secrets hidden in plain sight. It was so exciting to find and decipher these pages and let them direct my adventure.
Tunic features one of the the coolest meta components I've ever encountered in a videogame. As you progress, you'll uncover pages from an instruction manual that reveal secrets hidden in plain sight. It was so exciting to find and decipher these pages and let them direct my adventure.
March 7, 2025 at 7:34 PM
18 (⭐): Tunic
Tunic features one of the the coolest meta components I've ever encountered in a videogame. As you progress, you'll uncover pages from an instruction manual that reveal secrets hidden in plain sight. It was so exciting to find and decipher these pages and let them direct my adventure.
Tunic features one of the the coolest meta components I've ever encountered in a videogame. As you progress, you'll uncover pages from an instruction manual that reveal secrets hidden in plain sight. It was so exciting to find and decipher these pages and let them direct my adventure.
19 (⭐): Cuphead + DLC
One of the best looking and sounding games ever made, bar none. The boss-focused gameplay reminds me of MegaMan -- levels feel impossible at first, but as you get to know them become manageable. With a variety of weapons and a parry to master, each challenge is surmountable.
One of the best looking and sounding games ever made, bar none. The boss-focused gameplay reminds me of MegaMan -- levels feel impossible at first, but as you get to know them become manageable. With a variety of weapons and a parry to master, each challenge is surmountable.
March 5, 2025 at 12:50 AM
19 (⭐): Cuphead + DLC
One of the best looking and sounding games ever made, bar none. The boss-focused gameplay reminds me of MegaMan -- levels feel impossible at first, but as you get to know them become manageable. With a variety of weapons and a parry to master, each challenge is surmountable.
One of the best looking and sounding games ever made, bar none. The boss-focused gameplay reminds me of MegaMan -- levels feel impossible at first, but as you get to know them become manageable. With a variety of weapons and a parry to master, each challenge is surmountable.