Who at the Door Review โ A Tragic Plastic Surgery Nightmare
Hello everyone in our global Stove community! I am thrilled to be back with a review of a game that literally gave me chills for two straight hours. If you have been following the recent trend of spot the difference horror games like Shinkansen 0 by Chilla Art, you definitely need to pay attention to this one. Itโs called Who at the Door, and trust me, it offers a high-quality psychological experience that feels deeply personal and incredibly dark. I went into this game thinking it would be a simple memory test, but I discovered a tragic story that left me feeling unsettled in the best way possible. Gameplay & First Impression In this game, you find yourself in a house that you must memorize perfectly, as your survival hinges on every single detail. The rules are simple to understand, but executing them can be extremely stressful. Each day, you must inspect the room for any changes. If the house appears exactly the same, your mind remains stable, and it is safe to open the door and tak
๐ THE HUNGRY LAMB: A GRUELLING JOURNEY FOR A SLIVER OF HOPE
CONTENT WARNING!!!: This game contains graphic violence, gore, and depictions of extreme psychological distress. Player discretion is strongly advised Introduction If you are looking for a story that will grip your heart and leave a lasting echo long after the credits roll, this is the title for you. The Hungry Lamb is set during the volatile late Ming Dynasty, a time when famine and oppression pushed humanity into its darkest corners. This is not just a game; it is a raw, authentic lens into the tragic fates of ordinary people caught in the merciless currents of history. Game Title: The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty Genre: Visual Novel, Historical, Psychological Horror Platform: PC (Steam) Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive Story The story follows Liang, a man burdened by a shadowed past, as he escorts four young girls to a distant destination. Among them is Man Suiโa child whose life embodies the heartbreaking reality of an era defined by starvation. This journey is mo
๐ [LumineNight Review] A slow burn detective story
Hey everyone ๐ If you enjoy mystery games that take their time to build tension, LumineNight might be something worth checking out. It is not a fast paced action experience, but more of a thoughtful journey through clues, conversations, and quiet moments in a city that feels alive even in silence. Name: Lumine Night Genre: Mystery Adventure, Detective, Puzzle, Visual Novel Developer: Indie studio Rating: Mostly Positive on Steam First Impressions The first thing that stands out is the atmosphere. The game takes place in a fictional version of Summerset in the 1950s, and it absolutely leans into that noir feeling. Dim lights, empty streets, and a constant sense that something is not quite right. Detective games usually follow a familiar structure. You collect clues, question suspects, and slowly piece everything together. LumineNight does follow that formula, but what makes it different is how personal the journey feels. You are not just playing as Detective Kelvin Foster, but also his
Return Review โ A Bright Journey to Save Sister
Hey Stove friends ^^ It's Pera again and Iโm super excited to share a new game with you all that I think youโre really going to enjoy. It's called Return, and itโs a delightful mix of puzzle adventure and platforming created by the talented developer Xenia. I couldnโt resist diving in to see what all the buzz was about! If you love games that challenge your brain while you explore a colorful island, this one is definitely for you. 1. First Impression Right from the start, I was struck by how inviting and peaceful the world feels. I begin in this cozy little village, but then I quickly uncover a huge mystery waiting for me! What I love about Return is that it doesnโt just hand you the answers; it encourages you to really pay attention to your surroundings and think about the history of the place. It has that classic adventure game vibe but adds a unique twist with ancient mathematics and symbol systems. It reminds me of other amazing exploration games where the environment itself is lik
[Review] - [Divine Dynamo Flamefrit] - Main character in a Shounen!!
Something I do enjoy is becoming a powerful middle-schooler and save the world with friends I picked up along the way plus a girl I know since childhood. Well, with such a bombastic name, Divine Dynamo Flamefrit checks all the boxes above. Let us go on a journey full of shounen tropes and get a power trip from all the flashy imagery. ABOUT DIVINE DYNAMO FLAMEFRIT Made by Inti Creates, the game is a top down pixel art/2D slashing adventure, where you are this middle schooler voiced by a woman, who is almost invincible (you can feel the power in the first hour), holding an epic sword that totally spits out fire, friends with a mecha and the cutest girl in the game! MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I absolutely enjoy the soundtrack โ it hits you immediately when you boot up the game. The pixel art is gorgeous right from the get go, and the worldbuilding is such a love letter to early 1990s shounen shows. It straight ups just puts you in the world and you get the coolest sword ever! You feel amazing
ALTF4 Review: Don't Play If You Lack Patience!
Hello there! If you are looking for a gentle experience to unwind after work, then... please stay far away from this game. But if you want to test your patience to the absolute limit, or if you are an aspiring streamer looking for engaging content to attract views, then welcome to ALTF4 โ a name that says everything about what youโll want to do to your keyboard. Seriously, I wanted to shut down this frustrating game by the time I reached Stage 3!. Game Overview Game Title: ALTF4 Genre: Action, Runner, Perma-death, Hardcore Developer: PUMPKIM Rating: Ranges from "Mixed" to "Mostly Positive" on Steam, primarily due to its controversial difficulty. First Impressions My first impression of ALTF4 is a strange blend of medieval style and absurd elements. This isn't your typical platformer; it focuses on "calculated frustration". While most runner games have a fast pace and gradual difficulty curve, ALTF4 throws you into a maze full of illogical traps right from the start. It reminds me of Ge
[Review] - [Staffer Case: A Supernatural Mystery Adventure] - 1960 Detective!
Time to be a detective! In this world, fictional London in the 1960s, where everyone is anime-looking attractive, and .. everyone has some sort for magic? Well, at least everyone on screen is!! Such storytelling! ABOUT STAFFER CASE Created by Team Tetrapod, based in Korea, this game is part of a larger series named Staffer Series โ where there are people with super natural abilities, known as staffers. Good luck solving crime with a bunch of people with super powers โ oh , I meant *skills*. They canโt be solved using conventional methods. Use the documents provided by your staffer teammates (and they are the eccentric kind, let us be real) and hunt for clues to find discrepancies between what is said and what the actual evidence is! MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I love how the characters are shaded, and how unique every single person you talk to is. The worldbuilding is full of life and interesting spots --- while still being very recognizable (who isnโt used London as a detective setting, aft
Lost Eidolons Review - The Battle of Cruel Destinies
Hello everyone, today I'm going to introduce you to a "diamond in the rough" from Ocean Drive Studio. Despite being their debut product, this game demonstrates immense ambition in recreating the heroic and tragic atmosphere of wars for power. Game name: Lost Eidolons Genre: Turn-based Tactical RPG Developer: Ocean Drive Studio Rating: 7.8 (Metacritic) / Mostly Positive (Steam) First Impression: The overwhelming impression that Lost Eidolons leaves from the very first minutes is its seriousness and edginess in its approach to the subject matter. Instead of following the conventional path of simply distinguishing good from evil, the game throws players into a moral "grey area" rife with political intrigue, betrayal, and personal tragedy. This storytelling style is deeply reminiscent of the suffocating atmosphere of Game of Thrones, where the line between justice and ambition is always blurred. At its core, this is a traditional tactical RPG with familiar grid-based combat. While maintain
[Poly TD Review] Roguelike chaos meets tower defense strategy
Hey there ๐ If youโve been stuck in the loop of playing the same old tower defense games, Poly TD might be the one that shakes things up a bit. It blends roguelike randomness with classic defense mechanics in a way that feels both familiar and unexpectedly fresh. Name: Poly TD Genre: Tower Defense, Roguelike Developer: Indie studio Rating: Mostly Positive on Steam First Impressions Right from the first run, Poly TD gives off a minimalist yet oddly satisfying vibe. The low poly art style is clean and readable, which is super important in a genre where things can get messy fast. But what really caught my attention is how unpredictable each run feels. Tower defense games are usually about planning ahead, placing towers in optimal spots and slowly building up power. Poly TD flips that idea slightly by introducing roguelike elements. You donโt fully control what you get. Instead, you adapt. That tension between strategy and randomness is where the game shines. If youโve played something lik
Kingdom Come: Deliverance Review โ A Brutal Journey Through Medieval Life
Kingdom Come: Deliverance Review โ A Brutal, Unscripted Journey Through Medieval Life A deeply immersive RPG that thrives on emergent storytelling, even as its rough edges constantly test your patience. Hello everyone, and welcome to this Stove review. Today weโre exploring Kingdom Come: Deliverance, a historical RPG developed by Warhorse Studios, set in 15th-century Bohemia. Known for its commitment to realism and grounded storytelling, the game attempts to deliver an authentic medieval experience-one where you are not a chosen hero, but an ordinary man struggling to survive and rise in a chaotic world. Game Title: Kingdom Come: Deliverance Genre: Open-World RPG, Historical Simulation Developer: Warhorse Studios Rating: Very Possitive on Steam, 76 on Metacritic, 72 on Opencritic From its controversial launch to its technical struggles, Kingdom Come has always been surrounded by debate. But beneath the noise lies something far more interesting: a game that consistently generates unforg
[Abandon Ship Review] A brutal life
Hello Captains If you enjoy tactical combat, high stakes decisions and the romance of sailing into danger, Abandon Ship is a game worth your time. Developed by Fireblade Software, this indie title blends naval strategy with adventure and roguelike elements, all wrapped in a striking hand painted art style inspired by classic naval oil paintings. Game name: Abandon Ship Genre: Strategy Developer: Fireblade Software Stove rating: Very Positive From the very first minutes, the game makes it clear that the sea is not your friend. It is beautiful, unpredictable, and deadly. First Impression Abandon Ship immediately stands out because of how it presents its world. The camera angle and painterly visuals make every battle feel like a moving artwork. At the same time, the difficulty curve wastes no time reminding you that survival is never guaranteed. Naval strategy games often focus heavily on simulation or realism. Abandon Ship takes a different route. It leans into tactical positioning, timi
Way Nd Choice Review: A Thoughtful Game of Choices
Hey there, Stove community! I wanted to share my thoughts on a game that's been on my mind for a while: Way Nd Choice, developed by GamjaGames. Itโs a mix of resource management and text adventure thatโs currently rated Mixed on Steam, and it's a fascinating blend of creativity and tech. 1. First Impressions: A Visual Dream From the moment I entered Way Nd Choice, I felt like I was stepping into a beautiful painting. The game stands out because all its visuals are made using AI, which gives it a unique and dreamy feel. It reminded me of a more grounded version of Slay the Princess, where the art really pulls you into the experience. 2. Gameplay: Choices Matter The gameplay revolves around three main things: Health, Sanity, and Gold. Each action you take costs something, which can make the game feel a bit slow and repetitive, like managing a spreadsheet instead of going on an adventure. At times, I found myself getting a little bored. But just when I thought it was getting dull, the gam
Caravan Sandwitch Review: A Fun and Heartwarming Journey
Ready for a road trip where the only danger is my dignity? I recently took a dive into Caravan Sandwitch, a cozy little game by Plane Toast. It has a Very Positive rating on Steam, and I can see why! But I must admit, when I first saw the name, I secretly hoped for a game about a heroic piece of toast aiming to become a legendary sandwich =))))) โผ๏ธSpoiler : the "SandWitch" is actually a mysterious signal on the desert planet Cigalo, and the โCaravanโ is my trusty yellow van. 1. First Impressions: Provence in Space When I arrived on Cigalo as the main character, Saule, I was immediately struck by the gorgeous art style. Itโs a delightful mix of Studio Ghibli charm and sci-fi flare, capturing the sunny landscapes of Provence, France. What I love most is that thereโs no combat or health bars - just a peaceful vibe focused on building community connections. It reminded me a bit of Sable but feels much more personal, highlighting the forgotten people of this planet. 2. The Art of (Terrible)
[MENACE Review] A strange new threat has begun to emerge
Hello and welcome, commanders If you enjoy turn based tactics where every choice can come back to haunt you hours later, Menace is a name worth remembering. Developed by the team behind Battle Brothers, this sci fi tactical RPG takes familiar ideas and pushes them into a harsher and more reactive campaign structure. After spending time with the game, it is clear that Menace is less about perfect plans and more about adapting when everything goes wrong. Game name: Menace Genre: RPG, strategy Developer: Overhype Studios Rating: Reviews on Stove are trending positive at the time of writing First impressions The first thing Menace does well is setting tone. You arrive in the Wayback system expecting a routine pacification mission, only to realize the situation is far more unstable. Pirates, corporations, local governments and something far worse all compete for control. From the opening hours, the game makes it clear that you are cut off from higher command and fully responsible for what h
[Review] - [Volcano Princess] - Raising a princess' Mind, Stamina and Charisma
I think I should read the genre of the game before picking it willy nilly. Volcano Princess was recommended to me by a friend, and I booted it up without thinking much nor without checking the STOVE store to see what it is about. โฆ Why do I have a daughter now I have been a single weeb since I was 13 โ ABOUT VOLCANO PRINCESS Welcome to the parenting sim! You! are a father! Your wife dies in the first few seconds like any anime mother would and now you are tasked with raising this adorable doll of a little daughter! Developed by Egg Hatcher Studio, with Overwhelming Positive reviews on Steam, it is time for you to commit to something half of you would never be able to do: Care for a child. MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Fun fact, my first run was completely blind and I named the father after an abusive anime dad. The dissonance was too great โ I had to change to his default name haha. Anyway, tangent aside, my child is too pretty guys, and I am, again, single. I do not think I would score any wi
Old World Review - Dynasty, Legitimacy, and the Weight of History
A demanding 4X strategy experience that refines tradition with bold mechanics, but does little to welcome newcomers. Hello everyone, and welcome to this Stove review. Today weโre examining Old World, a historical 4X strategy game designed by Mohawk Games and led by Soren Johnson, co-creator of Civilization IV. Rather than charting humanityโs journey from ancient tribes to interstellar empires, Old World narrows its focus to a few centuries during the Iron Age, placing players in control of one of several Mediterranean and Near Eastern civilizations at the height of their influence. Game Title: Old World Genre: 4X Strategy Developer: Mohawk Games Rating: 78% - Open Critic, 80 - MetaCritic, 4.5 Stars on Steam Old World positions itself as both a tribute to classic 4X design and a structural evolution of the formula. It respects tradition-but also deliberately complicates it. First Impression Players familiar with the Civilization formula will immediately recognize the foundations: a hex-
[Necrosmith Review] A Creative take on undead survival
Hello and welcome. Today we are taking a closer look at Necrosmith, a game that blends tower defense strategy with simulation and adventure ideas in a surprisingly playful way. Game name: Necrosmith Genre tower: Adventure, Defense, Strategy Developer: Alawar User rating on Stove: Mostly Positive at the time of writing First impressions Necrosmith makes a strong first impression by letting you do something unusual right away. Instead of placing generic units you literally build your army from body parts. Skeleton legs vampire heads and even stranger pieces can be stitched together to form undead workers and fighters. The tower defense genre is often about clean lines and predictable roles. Necrosmith goes in the opposite direction. It embraces chaos experimentation and humor. At first the interface looks simple but after a few minutes you realize there is a lot happening behind the scenes. Compared to traditional tower defense games this one feels more alive and unpredictable. Games lik
Seven: Enhanced Edition โ Stealth Reimagined
Hey there, fellow gamers! I recently found a gem that completely changes the way we think about isometric RPGs. Itโs called Seven: Enhanced Edition, created by Fool's Theory and IMU Games. With a โMostly Positiveโ rating on Steam, this isnโt just another dungeon crawler - itโs an exciting, parkour-packed stealth adventure that asks a fun question: what if an isometric world had the vertical freedom of an Assassin's Creed game? 1. First Impressions: A World Without Ceilings From the moment you land on the prison island of Peh, you canโt help but be amazed by the scale of everything around you. While most games in this genre feel flat, Seven opens up like a giant multi-layered playground. If you hit a locked gate, instead of just searching for a key, you can climb a pipe, leap between balconies, and drop in from above! It has the depth of stealth gameplay like Dishonored, but from a bird's-eye view. The design brilliantly marries classic RPG elements with modern platforming, making every
Rhythm Witch: Beat Death Review โ The Most Addictive Groove Youโll Find
Happy New Year 2026, gamers! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday break. I've been diving into tons of games recently and Iโm excited to share one that has absolutely taken over my mindโand my heartbeat! Let me introduce you to Rhythm Witch: Beat Death, a super fun rhythm-based roguelite from the folks at Dusklight. Itโs currently rocking a Very Positive rating on Steam, and trust me, this little pixelated gem is something special! 1. First Impressions: A Symphony of Chaos When I first launched the game, I was ready for a typical survival game with some catchy background music. Boy, was I in for a surprise! The moment the beat dropped, I realized everything I do - from attacking to moving - is tied to the rhythm. Itโs like a brilliant mash-up of Crypt of the NecroDancer and a crazy bullet-hell survival game! You arenโt just dodging enemies; you're actually dancing through them while they move and attack to the beat. Unlike other games where you can zone out, Rhythm Witch keeps you fu
[ROGUEJACK21] - Review Game
Hey everyone! If youโve ever been under the spell of Balatroโs addictive loop or spent hours perfecting a deck in Slay the Spire, then I have something special for you today. I recently dove into RogueJack21, and it is a brilliant fusion of the classic casino game Blackjack and modern roguelike mechanics. It is one of those games that starts simple but quickly turns into a deep, tactical obsession. Game Title: RogueJack21 Genre: Roguelike Card Game / Deck-builder Developer: (Currently rising as a top indie contender) Ratings: 7.5/10 Highly praised by indie fans as a "Balatro sibling" with immense replay value and positive feedback on its unique mechanics. First Impressions: A Fresh and Innovative Twist Right out of the gate, it is impossible not to compare this to other big card games. However, instead of Poker, this game revolves entirely around Blackjack. What makes it innovative is how it transforms a game of pure luck into a high-stakes tactical battle. In a typical casino, you are
[R.I.P. - REINCARNATION INSURANCE PROGRAM] - Game Review
Hello fellow gamers! Today I want to share my experience with a hidden gem I recently discovered in the survivor-like genre. It is called R.I.P. - Reincarnation Insurance Program. If you love the feeling of mowing down endless hordes of enemies while building an unstoppable character, you are in for a treat. Game Title: R.I.P. - Reincarnation Insurance Program Genre: Action Roguelike Shooter / Survivor-like Developer: Warmcore Studio Ratings: Currently holding a 7/10 from critics and a Positive reception on Steam for its addictive loop. First Impressions: A Flashy Twist on a Popular Genre The moment I started the game, the visuals immediately grabbed me. It has this vibrant, polished look that reminds me of Helldivers 1 but in a top-down survivor format. The game fits perfectly into the "auto-shooter" genre where you focus on movement and positioning, but it feels much more modern than its peers. What makes it innovative is how it combines the frantic pace of Vampire Survivors with the
[BEYOND: TWO SOULS] - Review game
Hello everyone! Today, I want to share my thoughts on a game that, to me, feels more like an interactive Hollywood blockbuster than a traditional video game. That game is Beyond: Two Souls. If you are a fan of high-stakes drama and deep psychological storytelling, this is an experience you won't want to miss Game Title: Beyond: Two Souls Genre: Interactive Drama / Action-Adventure Developer: Quantic Dream Ratings: Around 70-76/100 on Metacritic (depending on the platform) and a "Very Positive" rating on Steam. First Impressions: A Bold Innovation From the very first minutes, I was captivated by the presence of Aiden, who is an invisible entity tethered to our protagonist, Jodie Holmes. What I found truly innovative was how the game allows me to switch perspectives. I am not just controlling a human; I am experiencing the world through the eyes of a spirit. While titles like Heavy Rain or Life is Strange focus heavily on dialogue choices, Beyond: Two Souls takes it a step further by wea
The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante Review โ Writing Your Fate in Blood
A dark, choice-driven narrative RPG where every decision shapes a life-and often leads to tragedy. Hello everyone, and welcome to this Stove review. Today, weโre diving into The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante, a dark, narrative-driven RPG developed by Sever. Set in the rigid and unforgiving Arknian Empire, this interactive fiction experience places an entire lifetime in your hands-from birth to death-and demands that you accept the weight of every choice you make. Game Title: The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante Genre: Narrative RPG, Interactive Fiction Developer: Sever Rating: Very Positive on Steam, 82% Meta Critic From the moment you begin, the game greets you with a content warning describing โbitter lossesโ and โgut-wrenching failures.โ It advises you to accept tragedy. It is not exaggerating. First Impression The best way to describe The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is interactive fiction-but that label only scratches the surface. The entire experience unfolds within the pa
Crab God Review: A calm strategy journey beneath the waves
If you are looking for a strategy game that feels gentle, thoughtful, and surprisingly emotional, Crab God might be a name worth remembering. This is not a loud or stressful experience. Instead, it invites you to slow down and care for a fragile underwater world, one tiny crab at a time. Game title: Crab God Genre: Strategy / Ecosystem Management / Simulation Developer: Chaos Theory Games Steam rating: Mostly Positive on Stove at the time of writing The first hour with Crab God feels calm and almost meditative. You begin in shallow waters with a small group of Crablings and a sacred egg that represents the future Crab God. There is no rush, no overwhelming tutorial and no pressure to optimize everything immediately. Instead, the game teaches through observation. What stands out early is the tone. Most strategy or god games push players toward expansion and efficiency. Crab God takes a different path. It encourages patience and balance. You are not conquering the ocean. You are nurturin
