A Broken Man on a Halifax Pier by Morgan Eilish is a solo journaling game inspired by a Canadian folk song about a perilous privateering journey. The player takes on the role of a seventeen year old who signed up to be a privateer on a decrepit sloop. To survive, the player has to repair the sloop, deal with the limited supplies, uplift the crew’s morale, and overcome enemy boats in naval combat. The mechanics is based on that of The Wretched, in which the player draws cards from a deck to see which problem they encounter, and pulls blocks from a Jenga tower to resolve them. The system suits very well to the perilous naval journey of the narrative, and I love the use of coins to represent the plundered American gold as a means to track progress. The writing is great and it really gives the reader/player a feeling of running a privateering boat that is falling apart. The layout design and use of public domain art are incredible. I would recommend this game to anyone who wants to read/play a thematic solo journaling game.

A Broken Man on a Halifax Pier by Morgan Eilish is a solo journaling game inspired by a Canadian folk song about a perilous privateering journey. The player takes on the role of a seventeen year old who signed up to be a privateer on a decrepit sloop. To survive, the player has to repair the sloop, deal with the limited supplies, uplift the crew’s morale, and overcome enemy boats in naval combat. The mechanics is based on that of The Wretched, in which the player draws cards from a deck to see which problem they encounter, and pulls blocks from a Jenga tower to resolve them. The system suits very well to the perilous naval journey of the narrative, and I love the use of coins to represent the plundered American gold as a means to track progress. The writing is great and it really gives the reader/player a feeling of running a privateering boat that is falling apart. The layout design and use of public domain art are incredible. I would recommend this game to anyone who wants to read/play a thematic solo journaling game.

Gram Burch's Tonics 'n Charms by brother spider is a solo game inspired by Ozark folklore. You play as Gram Burch, an Ozark granny who can perform folk magic, getting through her day. Neighbours would ask for Gram Burch’s help to deal with their problems, and she may end up as a fearful witch or a revered healer. The game is beautifully laid out, with photos of traditional Ozark objects. I love how the text speaks to the player and teaches them about Ozark traditions.

Housekeeping by Basil Wright is a TTRPG about Bremlins, hybrids of brownies and gremlins, who have to help a human tidy up their house. I love how adorable the Bremlins are described in the game, and that they have their energy level represented by a number of spoons. Even though the Bremlins are there to care for the house, they can’t neglect their self-care! Check it out if you want a cosy game with cute little guys/gals/non-binary pals.