Solstice Chronicles: MIA is a mixed bag. The dialogue is actually well-written and both the aesthetic and gameplay are more than passable, but there is a feeling that with a little bit more attention, it could be even better.
Sundown: Shots in the Dark is at its best when played with four human players. The online element is also a welcome feature, but games like this are best enjoyed with some mates on the couch with a big packet of Doritos, in our experience. Watch the oily chip dust in the analogue sticks, mind.
The overall experience is unsatisfying when the narrative is so poor, which is a shame because the rest of the game is so good. Some great lore with compelling characters and dialogue alongside these visuals could’ve made it something special. We still enjoyed Mecho Wars: Desert Ashes for what it is - a solid, if familiar, strategic RPG that boasts an amazing art style.
Black and White Bushido feels a bit bare-bones when it has some really great elements along with a unique premise going for it. It’s fantastic for an hour as a local multiplayer party game, but not recommended for extended single-player use.
In review, Necrosphere Deluxe is a short and hard-as-nails platformer that’ll have you shouting in frustration, but defeating it is very rewarding. The backtracking through previously completed puzzles is frustrating, but hey, at least it gives you more bang for your buck?
In review, The Shrouded Isle is a great management sim that is let down purely by its choice of aesthetic. Somewhat akin to the ill-fated red and black visuals of the Virtual Boy, the palette is really nasty to stare at, but if you’re able to look past this, you’ll find a solid experience.
Overall though, JackQuest: The Tale of the Sword is a charming platformer that revels in its own simplicity. The control is excellent, the visuals nostalgic, and the exploration elements engaging.
Overall, My Memory of Us is a solid platformer with decent puzzles, most of which are tied to the plot. It has great sound design (including exceptional celebrity voiceover work), but its main criticism is the sometimes-jarring tonal inconsistencies between creating a tangible threat from the mind of a child and the true horrors on which it is based. That said, the good absolutely outweighs the bad and the majority of the game is a delight to play through.
Overall, Apocalipsis: Harry at the End of the World is an odd game that succeeds in its creation of a sombre atmosphere through a well-told plot. It won’t please everyone, but if you’re looking for a story-driven adventure to suck you into its world, this might be worth a look.
Overall, Bedtime Blues isn’t awful, but it lacks a lot of the depth and production value of the franchise it clearly emulates. It’s serviceable and might be nice for fans of survival horror looking for something to take on the go, but certainly isn’t ground-breaking.
The only minor criticism comes from the soundtrack which, while not bad, isn’t memorable and doesn’t always match the fantastic art. Overall, however, Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is a stunningly well-presented platformer with some of the most intuitive controls in the genre. A superb game and a credit to the indie scene.
Overall, Hive Jump is a great time, with well-thought-out level and enemy design, smooth gameplay, and a brilliant upgrade system. It’s certainly better placed as a party game with several mates playing local on the sofa, but it’s good fun regardless.
Overall, Stellar Interface is the lovechild of the shmup and roguelike RPG genres and stands above the crowd as an addictively simple, replayable shooter.
Neko Navy is a perfectly serviceable shmup that, not unlike an underfed cat, is a tad bare-bones. It plays smoothly, emulating an arcade feel, but could do with some additional features and a bit more enemy variety to make it truly stand out. That said, it offers a bright, colourful atmosphere with an unapologetically arcade-style soundtrack and could function as a nice introduction to shmups for players of any age.
Clock Simulator is quite conflicting. The hilariously silly concept might make it a novelty and its core gameplay is so frustrating that it becomes addictive, but there are much better reaction testers to spend your time and money on. Yet, the offer of multiple modes and a strangely peaceful and relaxing vibe give it something that might appeal to those who wish to relax by killing, or rather, controlling time.
Samsara is, unfortunately, let down by a shockingly empty soundtrack that makes much of the game lack a distinct aural style, which is a big hit against its overall aesthetic. However, this is still a great puzzler. Its delightful visual style and simple yet tough puzzling make it appropriately addictive and something quite special.
Overall, The Keep is fine; not the best in its league, but mechanically sound, if a tad sloppy in places. There is a great game in here, but its mediocre story and the occasional poor design decisions make it best left for true crawler enthusiasts.
Overall, Horizon Shift ’81 is a great time. A fast-paced shooter that oozes enthusiasm and passion, in addition to the appropriate level of respect for the games of years gone by. Oh, and the soundtrack is just banging. Some proper techno goodness that’ll get your blood pumping for those boss fights.
Overall, Snowboarding The Next Phase is a surprisingly deep and addictive game, especially in local multiplayer mode. While not the most intense sports game in the world, what it does, it does well.
In review, the Gunman Clive HD Collection offers some really great indie platforming and to get both games in one neat package; it’s a must-have for platformer fans.