NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: We here at GameTyrant have been absolutely bombarded with so many games this year. We will be rolling out select quick reviews to let our audience know about games and DLC that may have slipped under their radar. We appreciate the amazing support from all publishers and developers out there!

NOTE FROM THE WRITER: All review keys for the games below were graciously provided by the game publishers.

American Arcadia

Every few years, I kick back with a good side-scrolling narrative title that allows me to relax and enjoy some light puzzling here and there, flourished by some exciting action sequences. Luckily for me, American Arcadia is just what the doctor ordered, delivering a story and world totally worth exploring. From its gorgeous visuals, to its simple yet captivating gameplay, this game is set amongst the best in its class with titles like Inside and Limbo, though with slightly less grim moments.

Not only do players get to experience the signature side-scrolling gameplay that these 2D narrative adventures are becoming known for, but there are first-person moments, as well as CCTV puzzle sections that help to shake gameplay up for the better. There truly never is a dull moment in American Arcadia, making it the perfect game to pick up and enjoy.

Cookie Cutter

If ever there was a game more deserving of the word; epic. Cookie Cutter is the sapphic, cyberpunk, Metroidvania that you never knew you needed. It is one of the most stylish and fully realized action-adventure games I’ve played in a long time. If there’s one sentence that perfectly encapsulates Cookie Cutter, it’s that its edgy, bloody atmosphere shows at every moment, enthralling players in its gruesomely dark world.

Gameplay is pretty deep in Cookie Cutter, with new weapons/attacks to unlock, and new skills to purchase, making the game’s protagonist, Cherry the ultimate killing machine as she tears through her enemies. Aside from its bloody-fun gameplay, Cookie Cutter offers players eye-popping environments and characters, as well as a compelling story to tell with great queer representation. Though it doesn’t reinvent the wheel for Metroidvania titles, it’s certainly a fine addition to my collection.

World War Z - Valley of the Zeke

If you thought that Saber Interactive was done with World War Z with the release of 2021’s Aftermath, you’d be dead wrong. December 2023 saw the release of the game’s newest chapter in the WWZ lore; the Valley of the Zeke DLC. Taking players to the great state of Arizona, VotZ allows players to take a shot at another locale set within the USA. And having played it, it’s a welcomed one.

The devs certainly took advantage of giving players a new environment to explore, and it’s one that I had fun killing zeds within. For $9.99, players will get 3 new levels to play together in, as well as a team of all-new characters to upgrade and play as.

Now, whether that’s up to you all comes down to just how much of a WWZ fan you truly are. Personally, I think it’s a great addition, and can see the value in it, since it isn’t very expensive at all. I’m hoping more content continues to make its way into the game as it continues to live on.