The Eternal Cylinder

This could've easily been a silly little game that entertains you for a while, challenges your gaming skills, and is simply "good" for the time you've played it. The Eternal Cylinder presents itself as exactly that at first – a wacky, simple survival game. But what becomes evident over the game's length is its depth and purpose. While it begins with you collecting other Trebhums to combat the titular Eternal Cylinder, you quickly discover mutations that add a little bit more to the survival element. Then you discover how those mutations work against the world and enemies around you, giving you the space to get creative when figuring out how your small beings can possibly survive the frigid cold, the hungry enemies, and the Cylinder itself. Additionally, there's a deeper story present that persists throughout the experience, enticing you to push forward when all seems lost.

That's the game's biggest strength above all else: its ability to take from the player the power they typically have from most video games, forcing them to think on their feet just to survive. It's likely that many Trebhums will perish in your ongoing fight against the Cylinder. You could get crushed, eaten, flung around, blindsided by dehydration or starvation, and otherwise made to feel weak in this oppressive, cruel world where very few things are smaller than you are. Whether it's increasing your stamina just to make it to the next set of towers – offering a brief window of protection against the Cylinder so you can regroup and strategize – or finding a new resource that offers a brand-new mutation, the moment-to-moment gameplay shines through and keeps you glued to the screen. There's always a disturbing sense of inevitability to battle against as it becomes clear that the Cylinder will never give you a reprieve. At the same time, your sheer force of will and refusal to give up is what will make this game unforgettable. As the Trebhums fight to preserve their species, you'll struggle, grow, and adapt along with them. Ultimately, you'll be able to shape your own destiny in The Eternal Cylinder and decide whether or not perseverance and teamwork can win the day despite overwhelming odds.