John Little's Reviews
The Council successfully innovates on what has frankly become a bit of a tired genre in my opinion, but more importantly, how they have innovated works well and is enjoyable and adds value.
An overall improvement and evolution of its predecessor Stories: The Path of Destinies. Omensight provides an exciting groundhog day style narrative which doesn't get tedious despite its repetition. Some challenging and swift combat sees you through, and an interesting and nicely designed world easily engages, despite some cringey dialogue.
It's all a great big, quirky, hallucinogenic trip, filled to the brim with charm and potential. But, unfortunately, the game's endearing qualities accentuate my one criticism of it – it just isn't long enough.
Republique is a passionately delivered title, albeit with some annoyances, but has a great story to back it up and some serviceable stealth gameplay.
Stories: The Path of Destinies is a really intriguing title, and, as far as I'm concerned (and despite it's flaws), is a worthy investment, but its choice making narrative needed to offer a bit more to really make an impact. As it stands, the game feels a bit shallow.
There must have been more the developers could have done with the game to keep it going for longer, and considering some of the repetitiveness and a lack of interesting levels, I think they definitely should have. But otherwise, the game is well worth a look for any shooter or bullet hell fans. It's exciting and enjoyably challenging with an aesthetic and mechanical twist that sets it apart from the plethora of other shooters available.
There's more to Maize than it's concept initially suggests. A funny game that manages to balance silly humour with a genuine sense of mystery and some worthwhile gameplay. Unfortunately let down by some technical issues, but ultimately a well crafted parody.
Bedtime Digital have created another whimsical adventure, and despite some genericism here and there, the musical theme ultimately makes it.
The game's positive elements shine through, but I can't help feeling annoyed at the poor attempts to diversify the content; made even more frustrating when the game ends at only 3 hours, with virtually no reason to replay it.
A nice throwback to old school point and clicks, with an interesting visual design and some truly hard hitting plot points. Stumbles a bit with its dialogue and bizarre ending/episodic decision, however Dead Synchronicity remains a great adventure.
It's more like a tech demo than a fully-fledged game (albeit one with a decent, fully realised story). It shows that voice controls can benefit an RTS title, and that games that strive for that 'narrative experience' can also have compelling gameplay; but it never reaches its full potential.
Frustrating in a few ways, but Kingdom Come is clearly a labour of love. An ambitious and impressive historical RPG with some deep combat and mechanics.
I’d say overall, Overfall struggles to make a great lasting impression, but I think it’s enjoyable and deep enough to stand out, and despite its flaws is certainly worth a bash if you’re interested in this broad genre.
Its main issues surround a lack of depth and some repetitive design, but while also a little irritating in places, the gameplay is solid and engaging. The aesthetic, sound design and premise are top notch, and I think if you’re interested in a simple dungeon crawler, then Brut@l can provide a great time for you.
Seasons After Fall offers colour and charm by the bucket load – as developer Swing Swing Submarine’s magical platforming fox adventure hits the right notes with a gorgeous hand drawn art style, and a concept to match its colourful aesthetic. But there are some core issues that hold it back.
Mindless fun is the biggest selling point, and though I had hoped for some more weapons to play with and better level variety, Tesla vs Lovecraft is still a riotous twin stick shooter.
This episode still feels somewhat of a run up to get the story and mechanics going, but if you enjoyed the first episode there is reason to continue, just don’t expect things to progress too much yet.
For those that enjoy the lore and want to experience a 40K game in this genre, then you aren’t going to find it elsewhere, and it’s not a bad game. It is enjoyable despite its missteps, and has improved beyond the original release, with Streum On Studios showing they are/were committed to Deathwing’s idea and supporting it post release.
The game is rugged in some departments and a little less ambitious than I had previously thought it would be, but Soul Axiom is still a well put together and intriguing experience. It's a cool world filled with sparkly tech surroundings, a multitude of far ranging level environments and some really enjoyable puzzle solving.
An interesting title that combines light resource collecting and exploration, with a mysterious story. More linear than it initially seems, but this works in the game's favour. Clunky design and some glitches hamper the experience, however.