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.
Feudal Alloy is a wonderful example of a platformer done right. A brilliant, exploratory adventure that throws interesting mechanics on the table that breathe life into a well-established sub-genre.
Nour's journey can be an extremely tough one to undertake, but Bury Me, My Love should be experienced as a lesson in both empathy and wonderful text-based storytelling. Remembering that the emotional story has its basis in true events will make you consider the struggles of those less fortunate.
Cake Laboratory's saving grace is that for a young child or undiscerning adult, it’s harmless and entertaining, with bright colours and simple game mechanics that increase in difficulty over time. However, for most players, there really isn’t enough to even slightly recommend a purchase here.
There’s definitely more good than bad on display here, though.
Other than that, there’s little to complain about with Oxyjet, as it offers an array of different stages that introduce further hazards and obstacles, adding to the chaos. It doesn’t excel in its presentation, with fairly basic graphics and a run-of-the-mill ambient soundtrack. Concurrently though, its gameplay is brilliant for a party pick, with cooperation between players becoming essential for victory. Games can become very tense very quickly and with more skilled players, have the potential to last a long time. The lack of single-player is frustrating, but not enough to rob it of a well-deserved thumbs up — if you've got the requisite players.
With a great concept, a responsive, sensible control layout and the option to play with up to four players, Catastronauts is highly recommended for some intensely enjoyable cooperative action.
All in all, Wondershot is brilliant if you have four friends around, equally brilliant with just two players, and even decent fun alone, if you enjoy the challenge maps. The lack of AI matches is irritating, but certainly not a deal breaker for the charming, competitive, multiplayer experience.
Overall, Julie’s Sweets isn’t a bad game; it plays well for what it is and can be addictive once invested, but the shallow story, scary visuals, and lack of replay value let it down.
Overall, Animus: Stand Alone is recommended for fans of the Dark Souls and Bloodborne series, offering a smaller-scale, level-based, mobile-style variation on these titles that still sports excellent gameplay and impressive graphics.
There really isn’t a huge amount more to say about Unicornicopia. Its game design is rudimentary and undeveloped to the nth degree and will offer zero challenge to anyone with gaming experience. Its art design is overly cartoonish and brash; not awful for children, but completely unappealing, boring, and nauseating to an adult audience. And kids deserve a darn sight better than 'not awful'.