If you have read my blog post about Handheld Gaming or Steam Hardware you might remember my dilemma about choosing a casual gaming device. After a lot of consideration and then a spontaneous order during a get together with work colleagues I am now the proud owner of a Steam Deck OLED.

This device is honestly such a joy to use. It is simple, straight forward and casual. Everything I was looking for and then some. Mostly I have played SteamDeck verified games because I have many in my backlog that were catching dust. Sometime in the future I might have to try emulation with EmuDeck so that I can play my old Pokémon games.

Circuit Superstars is a Top-Down racing game with great physics, very challenging opponents in singleplayer mode and a wide range of vehicle types. There are multiple different racing modes spanning from grand prix’s, time trials, free mode and online races. If you want a tough racing game that is great to play on your Steam Deck I can highly recommend it.

• Title: Circuit Superstars
• Developer: Original Fire Games
• Release date: October 30, 2023
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Singleplayer
  • Multiplayer
  • Indie
  • Racing

Level Devil is a short platformer where each level tries to trick you into failing. I believe nobody can complete it without dying on the first try. You will probably rage and start questioning each and every step you make on the way to complete the game but exactly that makes the game enjoyable.

• Title: Level Devil
• Developer: Unept
• Release date: March 25, 2025
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Singleplayer
  • Multiplayer
  • Platformer
  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Puzzle

Haste is a first-person parkour game where you race against the end of the world. The goal? Simply rush through the fragmented world and stop it’s destruction. Your hurdles? Time, terrain, robots and even black holes will test your reflexes and path finding.

• Title: Haste
• Developer: Landfall
• Release date: April 1, 2025
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Singleplayer
  • Online Co-op
  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Parkour
  • Racing

If you want to see the detailed version, you can check it out on Steam directly.

Right after I published my blog post on Handheld Gaming, Valve decided to announce new Steam Hardware. — actually kinda funny.

So the Steam Deck does not yet get an update. The Steam Controller looks interesting. Remove the display from the Steam Deck and improve ergonomics and voilà, you have the new controller. Steam Frame looks nice and all but I am not the audience for a VR headset. I have tried VR gaming once and it was not really my thing.

The Steam Machine on the other hand has my full attention, mainly because I have thought about getting a Framework Desktop and installing SteamOS to use it as a “game console” in the living room.

Since I like to game and want to divide my devices into singular usecases, I have often thought about getting a portable and or couch gaming device.

One great option would be the Nintendo Switch 2. It gives you access to a bunch of games that only work on a Switch and are great local multiplayer couch games. If I would go this route then I would gain access to all the franchises I enjoyed as a child with the Nintendo DS and Wii. Because there is no OLED version of the Switch 2 I have not yet pulled the trigger to buy it.

The Steam Deck would be another great option that would give me the ability to play all the indie games I have on my Steam account. An OLED version exists, but I prefer the Switch 2’s battery life and size.

When researching and thinking about buying a handheld gaming console I managed to stumble into a big rabbit hole about retro handhelds. Game consoles that emulate old console formats like Nintendo DS, Game Boy, Playstation 1, Wii, and many more. I honestly did not know there were so many different brands to choose from.

• Analogue
• ayn
• AYANEO
• Retroid
• TRIMUI
• Miyoo
• MODRETRO

My decision for the moment is to wait for Black Friday and or Christmas deals on the Steam Deck OLED and the Retroid Pocket Classic. If I buy a handheld game consoles I will probably create a blog post about it to give a review.

Jump Space (or Ship? It blurs) is a roguelite co-op shooter blending slick ship piloting, zero-G jaunts and frantic firefights. Crew up to scavenge wrecks, fend off boarders and upgrade your ride — or solo with a trusty R2-D2. It’s responsive, replayable and begs for friends (preferably 2 or 3).

• Title: Jump Space
• Developer: Keepsake Games
• Release date: September 19, 2025
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Singleplayer
  • Multiplayer
  • Co-op
  • PvE
  • Space
  • Sci-fi
  • Action

PEAK is a great multiplayer game where you have to work together to path your way up a mountain. Sounds easy? Then think again! From steep bouldering to icy blizzards, anything might happen. Just one wrong step and you tumble comically to your death.

• Title: PEAK
• Developer: Team Peak
• Release date: June 16, 2025
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Multiplayer
  • Singleplayer
  • Co-op
  • Physics

Parking Garage Rally Circuit delivers incredible retro vibes, especially with its electric soundtrack that keeps you chasing high scores lap after lap.

The physics will keep you on your toes at all times — especially during a perfect run — because the speed you can gain is insane, and one wrong move could launch you right off the track. This is also the exact reason speedrunners will love this game together with the many shortcuts you can take or even force if you want to risk your run.

• Title: Parking Garage Rally Circuit
• Developer: Walaber Entertainment LLC
• Release date: September 20, 2024
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Single Player
  • Multi Player
  • Racing
  • Arcade
  • Retro

Clustertruck is first-person parkour on a convoy of chaos. The goal? Don’t touch the ground. The method? Jumping from truck to truck as they crash, flip, explode and generally do everything but drive straight.

It’s fast, ridiculous and weirdly addicting. Momentum is everything — miss a beat and you’re pancaked between two semis mid-air. Land it perfectly and you feel like a stunt god.

You’ll fail a hundred times. You’ll love every second. Just don’t blink.

• Title: Cluster Truck
• Developer: Landfall
• Release date: September 27, 2016
• Play on Steam
• Tags
  • Indie
  • Action
  • Parkour

Rocket League is what happens when soccer crashes into an RC car derby — and it works. Controls are razor-sharp, the physics are pure chef’s kiss and somehow, soaring through the air just to whiff an open net has never felt so good.

Customization is half the fun. Want a flaming trail, anime wrap and a goal explosion that summons a T-Rex? Go for it. Drip matters — especially when you’re getting demo’d every other play.

It’s slick, addictive and runs smoother than most sports games out there. Whether you’re climbing ranked or just here for chaos, Rocket League sticks the landing.

• Title: Rocket League
• Developer: Psyonix LLC
• Release date: July 7, 2015
• Play on Steam
• Tags
  • Multiplayer
  • Action
  • Sport
  • Indie
  • Racing

BOKURA is a beautifully drawn, mind-bending co-op adventure where you and a friend see two completely different realities — and have to work together anyway. One of you sees a peaceful forest, the other sees a mechanical wasteland. You’ll swear there’s a bridge. Your friend will swear there’s not. One of you is wrong. Probably both.

It’s less about solving puzzles and more about communication, trust and questioning everything — including your partner’s sanity. Or your own.

• Title: BOKURA
• Developer: tokoronyori
• Release date: August 9, 2023
• Play on Steam
• Tags
  • Indie
  • Multiplayer
  • Adventure
  • Casual

First CoD Experience — Hooked.

This was my first time actually sinking hours into a Call of Duty and wow — I get the hype now. Gunplay feels crisp, movement is snappy and the maps? Surprisingly well-designed and fun to learn. It’s fast, flashy and genuinely addicting.

Definitely a great entry point for CoD newcomers.

• Title: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
• Developer: Treyarch
• Release date: October 25, 2024
• Play on Steam
• Tags
  • Multiplayer
  • Singleplayer
  • Action
  • Shooter

PICO PARK is the ultimate test of friendship disguised as a cute co-op puzzle game. The rules are simple: work together, push blocks, grab keys and reach the goal. The execution? Pure chaos.

Every level demands coordination, timing and the ability to not lose your mind when your teammate jumps just a second too early. It’s fun, frustrating and hilarious — all at once.

PICO PARK 2 ups the ante with new mechanics and even more ways to accidentally sabotage each other. It’s more refined, but still packed with those glorious “WHY DID YOU DO THAT” moments.

Play it if you love puzzles. Or yelling. Or both. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with fewer friends than you started with.

• Title: PICO PARK
• Developer: TECOPARK
• Release dates
  • May 7, 2021
  • September 12, 2024
• Play Pico Park on Steam
• Play Pico Park 2 on Steam
• Tags
  • Indie
  • Multiplayer
  • Action
  • Casual

You’ll change colors, change dimensions and maybe change your sanity level — but Hue makes every moment worth it. It’s a clever little platformer where swapping the background color rewrites the rules and your brain gets a full workout trying to keep up.

Charming? Definitely.
Challenging? More than you’d think.
Regret? Only when I swap to orange mid-jump and erase the platform under me.

• Title: Hue
• Developer: Fiddlesticks Games
• Release date: August 30, 2016
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Adventure
  • Singleplayer

“You Suck at Parking” is the perfect title, because wow, it will absolutely make you question every bit of your driving ability. The single-player campaign is a brutal test of precision, reflexes and sheer stubbornness if you’re chasing those gold medals. One second, you’re gracefully weaving around corners, the next you’re punched across the map by a boxing glove, wondering how it all went so wrong.

Multiplayer is where it gets even more chaotic. What starts as a friendly race to the closest parking spot quickly devolves into bumper car mayhem, complete with shouted accusations and reckless revenge rams. It’s the kind of game that makes you cackle and curse at the same time — usually at yourself.

• Title: You Suck at Parking
• Developer: Happy Volcano
• Release date: February 12, 2024
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Racing
  • Action
  • Singleplayer
  • Multiplayer

This game had me laughing, stressing and questioning all my life decisions — sometimes all at once. Make Good Choices is basically a chaos simulator where your panic is part of the fun. Every choice feels like it might be the wrong one — and honestly — that’s what makes it great.

If you enjoy games that mess with your head just enough to keep you hooked (but not enough to uninstall out of rage), give this a go. It’s anxiety with a smile.

• Title: Make Good Choices
• Developer: TN Games
• Release date: Jannuary 2, 2025
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Casual
  • Singleplayer

Unrailed! is chaotic co-op at its finest. You’re scrambling to lay tracks, chop trees and dodge flaming cows — all while yelling at your friends like it’s a team-building exercise gone wrong. Hectic, hilarious and way more strategic than it first looks.

Play this with friends. Trust me, the chaos is half the fun.
10/10 would derail again.

• Title: Unrailed
• Developer: Indoor Astronaut
• Release date: September 23, 2020
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Online Co-op
  • Local Co-op
  • Multiplayer
  • Action
  • Casual
  • Indie

Chaotic fun with a brutal twist

This game is a blast — especially if you’re into chaotic, challenging gameplay. On normal mode, it’s a smooth ride. But switch to hard mode and it’s a whole different beast. No rescue drone means no second chances — if you’re going for 100% achievements, you’re basically signing up for a no-hit run on every level.

Still, I absolutely recommend it. Whether you’re here for the fun or the pain, it’s worth every minute.

• Title: Awaria
• Developer: vanripper
• Release date: December 21, 2024
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Action
  • Bullet Hell
  • Singleplayer

The Stanley Parable — Where Even Walking in Circles Feels Profound

If you want a game where your every random action gets acknowledged — and sometimes roasted — The Stanley Parable is perfect. The dialogue is sharp, hilarious and weirdly philosophical. Whether you’re following directions or stubbornly ignoring them, the game always has something clever (or unsettling) to say about it.

It’s less about “winning” and more about poking the edges of the experience to see what breaks — and the game wants you to do that. Open a door you’re not supposed to? Take the elevator five times? Stand still for ten minutes? The narrator will notice, and you’ll love what he has to say.

• Title: The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe
• Developer: Crows Crows Crows
• Release date: April 27, 2022
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Adventure
  • Casual
  • Singleplayer

My first roguelike — and what an introduction.

Hades absolutely slaps. Gorgeous visuals, top-tier dialogue and gameplay that feels smooth and rewarding right out the gate. Every run pulls you back in with that “just one more try” magic. If you’re even mildly curious, do yourself a favor and give this gem a go.

10/10 — Zagreus made me a believer.

• Title: Hades
• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Release date: September 17, 2020
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Roguelike
  • Roguelite
  • Action
  • Hack and Slash
  • Indie
  • RPG
  • Singleplayer

A must-play for any Potterhead, with a few caveats.

Hogwarts Legacy nails the fantasy of living in the Wizarding World. The open world is massive, packed with things to explore, spells to sling and secrets to uncover — all wrapped in some seriously gorgeous visuals.

That said, don’t expect a perfect 1:1 with the books or movies. The story takes place in a different era and some lore details might feel a bit off to die-hard fans. But if you’re here for the vibe, the magic and the castle itself? You’ll be right at home.

• Title: Hogwarts Legacy
• Developer: Avalanche Software
• Release date: February 10, 2023
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Fantasy
  • Open World
  • RPG
  • Action
  • Adventure
  • Singleplayer

You’ll have fun, you’ll rage and you’ll definitely question your life choices — but honestly, it’s one of the best FPS experiences out there. Most of my hours are in CS:GO, but the core chaos, clutch moments and saltiness carry over to CS2 just fine.

Toxic? Sometimes.
Addictive? Always.
Regret? Only when I whiff an AWP shot.

• Title: Counter-Strike 2
• Developer: Valve
• Release date: September 27, 2023
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Action
  • Shooter
  • Multiplayer
  • FPS

Short, sweet, and full of demons.

Helltaker is a bite-sized puzzle game with just the right amount of brain-teasing challenge and charm. The premise? Descend into hell to build your very own demon girl harem. The puzzles are clever, the dialogue is witty and the characters somehow steal your heart and your soul.

It’s stylish, funny and doesn’t overstay its welcome. Also, it’s free — so there’s really no excuse not to take the plunge.

• Title: Helltaker
• Developer: vanripper
• Release date: May 11, 2020
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Indie
  • Puzzle
  • Adventure
  • Singleplayer

Introduction

• Title: World of Tanks
• Developer: Wargaming
• Release date: August 12, 2010
• Play on Steam
• Tags:
  • Massively multiplayer online game
  • Strategy Video Game
  • Third-person shooter

Gameplay

World of Tanks is a 15v15 tactical shooter game. The goal of the game is either destroying all enemy vehicles or capture their base. The battles are fought on a multitude of maps with different layouts, scenes and bioms.

There are light, medium, heavy tanks as well as tank destroyers, artillery and wheeled vehicles. Each class is designed to hold different tactical positions and objectives. As a light tank you are required to scout passively while sitting in a bush, with wheeled vehicles you either scout on the move or get into ambush positions. Heavy tanks on the other hand are the brawlers who soak up damage and hold/push the front lines. Medium tanks are support tanks for heavy tanks but can take virtually any role. Tank destoryers and artilleries sit at the back and create supportive fire.

There are several nations each with several tank lines (types). You start of playing with tier 1 tanks and earn experience to unlock module upgrades and higher tiered vehicles (up to tier 10) as you play. Each game has a limit of ±2 tiers.

Graphics

The visuals in World of Tanks are top notch in my opinion. From the way sunlight shines down upon your tank to the way your shots make enemy tanks explode this game excels at making you feel immersed.

The physics in world of tanks are also very impressive. From tracks left on the ground, walls breaking when running them over, grass swaying in the wind to craters on shell impacts and crumbling houses. The amount of detail put in the destructive nature of this game gives you a feeling of actually driving and manuvering a several ton heavy vehicle.

It is also very impressive that they use real life tanks for sound as well as scanning them to get accurate 3d models. In recent years they also added 3d skins to the game that enhance the visuals of the tanks

Sound and Music

The tank sounds such as gun fire, engine, explosions and shell impacts is very immersive. Every time you shoot you can definitely feel the destructive power behind the shot sound. There is also some voice acting for tank crew members announcing battle information. The crew sounds are different for each naction of tanks though you can set it to always use your preferred language.

If you like epic ensemble works, then you will love the music in this game. Every map has a different fitting work that gets you hyped to dominate the battlefield.

Replay Value and Content

There is so much content for a player to discover that it is near impossible to have a 100% completion rate. There are over 400 vehicles with multiple modules to research, tank crew skills and euipment to further improve your combat power.

Special events are also something players look forward to. From discountet vehicle lines, one-off tanks or even special game modes there is never a lacking event.

Multiplayer

The game is played mostly in 15v15 thought there are other gamemodes from 7v7 up to 30v30. As you probably guessed — interaction is mostly limited to clan battles or if you play in a platoon of up to 3 players.

On some rare occasions you form a platoon mid battle and have therefore the ability to also use the in-game voice chat. Mostly that platoon forms to get the Brothers in Arms medal (each member killing 3 enemies or more) and not for any tactical reason.

The matchmaking is honestly not the best. It is quite often that one team is a lot stronger compared to the other team.

pay2win?

Short answer: probably yes

Long answer: You can definitely play as a free2play gamer but you will have a disadvantage compared to players that spend their money on upgrades or special equipment. The grind will take longer to complete and therfore it would be best to play a select few tank lines instead of spreading out to get all of the tanks.

Did I myself spend money? — yes

Do I regret spending money? — no, because this is in my top 3 games I ever played and I love playing it.

Technical Performance

The game runs smoothly on mid-range to high-range hardware. I personally had a hard time playing before getting my first gaming pc but since then it was easy to run the game and there are not often bugs that have hindered me from enjoying the game.

Conclusion

World of Tanks is a great game for anyone who likes strategic warfare shootes. The game also features stunning graphics, an epic soundstage and a lot of unlockable content. I would personally give World of Tanks a rating of 9/10. The one point deduction just because sometimes the matchmaking is not fair whatsoever.

Pros:

• Great gameplay
• Great graphics
• A lot of content to unlock
• Fun games

Cons:

• pay2win
• Time it takes to reach tier 10

I used to split my reading, watching, gaming and music across separate websites — Hardcover, Letterboxd, Backloggd, Album Whale — but I’ve since moved everything (apart from music) over to Sequel, which covers movies, shows, games, books and audiobooks all in one place.

I still use Anilist for tracking anime since it works better than using Sequel for the time being.

The lists below are generated from a JSON file exported from Sequel via an Apple Shortcuts automation, which I then feed into my Hugo blog using a shortcode.

• Games
• Books
• Movies
• Series

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Backlog

Wishlist

Academy Love Saga: Tennis Angels EX (NSFW)

Harem of Gods (NSFW)

Planet Lust (NSFW)

Scarlet Maiden (NSFW)

Waifu Fighter (NSFW)

Wet Nightmares (NSFW)