The Legend of Kusakari is flawed from the outset. While the idea of a grass-cutting simulator makes for a funny one-liner, it's near impossible to create an engaging experience from such a simplistic concept, and it quickly falls into the trap of mundanity. It may ooze charm, and the love poured into it is apparent, but it's much more difficult to enjoy in practice than in theory.
Geki Yaba Runner Deluxe, despite being ostensibly low-budget, is intrinsically a lot of fun, offering addictive, simplistic gameplay for a relatively cheap price. However, its failure to innovate and the inexplicable price hike it gained in its cross-platform move mean that it struggles to find its own place in the market, especially when compared to other genre entries, and it certainly doesn't mark itself as a highlight of the console's library.
Unholy Heights, though well-crafted and humorous, is far from perfect. The combination of the two genres may seem like a fantastic idea on paper (and it does indeed lead to some enjoyable moments of gameplay), but there's far too much empty space for extended play sessions to be consistently fun. That said, it fills a hole left open for two of the most starved genres on the eShop, and fans of either tower defence or simulation could do far worse than to spend a few hours in the devil's shoes.
Mega Man Legacy Collection is, at its core, a competent collection of six classic titles that every platforming fan - or, indeed, every gamer - should play at some point. However, it doesn't go much further than that. It's a shame that a character with such a lengthy history doesn't quite get that honoured in this package, and while it's a great jumping-on point for those unfamiliar with the Blue Bomber's origins, long-time fans will find little to celebrate here.
Although in some regards a missed opportunity to celebrate the series with new content, Gunman Clive HD Collection is well worth its minuscule asking price, bringing together not only one, but two already classic-status titles from the portable world into one tasty -and delightfully gorgeous HD - package on Wii U eShop. It's one of the best 2D platformers currently on the market and a fantastic example of an indie hit.
One Upon Light is a great purchase for puzzle fans looking for something slightly different. It's an excellent first release from a previously unheard of developer, and could even be enough for Singapore to emerge as a new major contributor to the industry. It's fantastic that Rising Star Games has brought One Upon Light westward a year after its original release, and it should hopefully pave the way for new original experiences to be release here in the future.
BOXBOY! is a real winner for the eShop. Its simple design and perfectly-balanced difficulty level mean that it's sure to resonate with players of all skill levels, and whether it's being chipped away at during morning commutes or digested in its entirety over a weekend, Qbby's tale shows that a minimalistic game can be just as satisfying as a triple-A title.
Two years ago, Cubed3 described Gunman Clive as "a stunning masterpiece of a platform game". Gunman Clive 2 is no different. The scale may have expanded, but the gameplay remains pure and focused. New mechanics are all fantastic and the platforming itself is tight, solid and satisfying. It may be short, but it means that all the fat has been trimmed to produce an unmatched experience that can (and should) be enjoyed by every 3DS owner.
Bento Studio and Moving Players have come together to make the most infuriating experience on Wii U eShop, and a certain type of player will absolutely adore its challenge. Its difficulty and lack of content may turn away some, but Cosmophony remains a stylish, addictive game that is sure to satisfy the resilient.