Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
GamesCom Opening Night had me a bit flustered but sometimes you need to take a step back and reset. The industry is not defined by Geoff Keighley or the people who can afford to advertise on his shows. There's a ton of incredible people making games all over the world and it's worth refocusing on that if you ever find yourself feeling cynical.
GamesCom Opening Night had me a bit flustered but sometimes you need to take a step back and reset. The industry is not defined by Geoff Keighley or the people who can afford to advertise on his shows. There's a ton of incredible people making games all over the world and it's worth refocusing on that if you ever find yourself feeling cynical.
![RockLeeSmile Live! - Mortal Shell II [Beta Playtest]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lqVMamUJSt8/mqdefault.jpg "RockLeeSmile Live! - Mortal Shell II [Beta Playtest]
I gave Mortal Shell II a spin for a couple of hours and aside from a bug at the very start that was easily fixed by quitting out to the main menu, I had an excellent experience. Mortal Shell II seems to be a pretty big departure from the original featuring an upgrade in scope, playstyle options and general fluidity.
I absolutely love the art and design approach featuring an otherworldly surrealist aesthetic and hope they got even further into this in the full version. The combat also feels about as good as I could ask - punchy and responsive with a great emphasis on weight shifting naturalistically.
For anyone on the fence, you dont need to have played the original to enjoy this. I look forward to trying more when I can!
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2584270/Mortal_Shell_II/
Watch live at: https://www.twitch.tv/rockleesmile")
![RockLeeSmile Live! - Neva [First Impressions]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/m-4J5mpSI-k/mqdefault.jpg "RockLeeSmile Live! - Neva [First Impressions]
*Thanks to the publisher for sending a key.
Neva is an absolutely gorgeous platformer by Nomada Studio, the developer of GRIS. Theyve done it again and made a beautiful follow-up to such a well crafted experience. These are my first impressions without spoiling too much of the game.
Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2420660/Neva/
Watch live at: https://www.twitch.tv/rockleesmile")
![RockLeeSmile Live! - There Swings A Skull: Grim Tidings [First Impressions]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nM31_QLJz94/mqdefault.jpg "RockLeeSmile Live! - There Swings A Skull: Grim Tidings [First Impressions]
*Code provided by dev
Here we check out a remarkable and incredibly dark narrative game called There Swings A Skull: Grim Tidings by Conor Walsh and Quinn K. Its at times a tough one to watch and truth be told I wanted to finish it but I felt if I kept playing I would end up in tears. Youve been warned! Its very well written and absolutely worth a look if you are ok with some difficult subject matter.
Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1983580/There_Swings_a_Skull_Grim_Tidings/
Watch live at: https://www.twitch.tv/rockleesmile")
![RockLeeSmile Live! - Under The Waves [Part 3]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nrTOsQZfXqk/mqdefault.jpg "RockLeeSmile Live! - Under The Waves [Part 3]
Part 3 is the conclusion of our playthrough of Under The Waves. Some pretty interesting story beats here and I like how the gameplay relates to the increasing depression and isolation the character feels.
Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1975440/Under_The_Waves/
Watch live at: https://www.twitch.tv/rockleesmile")
![RockLeeSmile Live! - Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town [First Impressions]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oS1liEjgg30/mqdefault.jpg "RockLeeSmile Live! - Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town [First Impressions]
Thank you to the publisher Neo Corporation for providing a key for review.
Lets try the first hour or so of the very pleasant and aesthetically lovely Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town.
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2699820/Shin_chan_Shiro_and_the_Coal_Town/
Broadcasted live on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/rockleesmile")
![RockLeeSmile Live! - Animal Well [Part 5]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oUh5TmKgnQY/mqdefault.jpg "RockLeeSmile Live! - Animal Well [Part 5]
The Animal Well is overflowing with secrets! This is actually the conclusion of the series and yet Im starting with no idea what to do. Will I find all the eggs? Will I discover whats next? Watch and find out.
Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/813230/ANIMAL_WELL/
Watch live at: https://www.twitch.tv/rockleesmile")
