Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido

Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido is a puzzle action video game developed by indieszero, released on June 2018.

Gameplay
The game plays as a series of battles, in which the player and their opponents each match up as many like-colored sushi plates as possible to attack each other with.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) Solid gameplay design that easily allows for experimentation and strategy rather than simple trial-and-error. It also helps that there are numerous mechanics that further enhance the gameplay without overpowering the player:
 * 2) *In battle, the player can utilize up to three different Sushi Sprites, which provide special skills that the player can sparingly utilize to potentially turn the tide of a battle. No two skills are completely alike (or even remotely close), and none of them are too overpowered either.
 * 3) *Another fundamental gimmick of the game is the player's ability to control the speed of their own conveyor belts in order to more efficiently stack up sushi plates, which serves as a decent challenge. The player can also equip certain Lane-Drive Gears, each providing different statistics for the conveyor belts' speed.
 * 4) *There are also Capsules, which provide small bonuses when matched with sushi plates.
 * 5) Gorgeous-looking animation that easily complements the setting.
 * 6) Engaging plot that's not only written specifically with world-building in mind, but also features a strong narrative building on the moral values of finding common ground between conflicting viewpoints and not taking every argument for granted.
 * 7) *Musashi is a very likable protagonist; aside from his/her emotional nature, his/her goal basically hinges on demonstrating the wonders of sushi to the entire world, no matter the cost. Even when faced with occasional hardships, Musashi fails to lose sight of his/her goal, allowing him/her to develop an unshakable sense of righteousness. Adding to this is that despite Musashi's battle against the Empire, he/she is nonetheless extremely sympathetic of most Imperial government figures and their traumatic pasts and encourages them to come into their own, providing for an excellent characterization.
 * 8) *Tiburon/Jubay is also a very relatable secondary antagonist with complex motives, even barring his role as Musashi's father. Though he used to side with the Republic during the Sushi Struggles, he later defected to the Empire because he legitimately believed that Masa's actions made him a poor role model for the SLF and a traitor to the Sushi Sprites, a feeling further fueled by his wife's decision to retreat to the realm of the Sushi Sprites until there was no chance of a repeat of the Sushi Struggles. He even later admits his mistake in joining the Empire and rejoins the SLF after witnessing his child's strong willpower, specifically in that he/she had banished Masa from the Republic and developed a Sushido equal in power to his/her father's.
 * 9) *Despite his limited role, Octavius is an equally relatable primary antagonist. His past revolves around a childhood trauma where his late father greedily hoarded the sushi meant for him; this caused him to become livid and delusional to the point where he brutally attacks Jubay simply out of a desire to possess what he was denied in childhood. Also like Musashi's mother, he flees to the realm of the Sushi Sprites out of fear that the Sushi Struggles will recur, providing more incentive for Musashi to ensure that his/her values are upheld.
 * 10) *Even some of the supporting characters are extremely likable, with Archie and Celia, to name a few.
 * 11) *Nuanced sequel-baiting that doesn't feel forced. Though some plot points are left unresolved (such as Rio's true identity, Masa's exile, and the fates of Musashi's mother and Octavius), this does not detract from the story enough to create any serious plot holes.
 * 12) Excellent voice acting that's complemented by well-written dialogue.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) While the controls are practical and extremely responsive, they can be clunky at times.
 * 2) The online multiplayer is a bit underdeveloped.
 * 3) The scene with the wasabi torture chamber can be interpreted as nightmare fuel.