Even if art isn't your bag (it sure isn't mine), Art Academy: Home Studio is worth checking out. The abundance of options available at your fingertips is very cool, and the ability to share couldn't be easier, save for direct posting to social networks – but we'll make do with what we have. If you're a budding artist or even a kid who just wants to play around with different paints (without messing up the house, mind you), this is one Academy worth enlisting in.
J-Stars Victory Vs. + mostly gets the job done when it comes to delivering a manic anime-based brawler for fans that have been waiting for the next Jump Superstars. But more could've easily been done with it, especially with the presentation and the fighting system. It has its moments, but they're more based upon the involvement of human competition instead of the evolution of the themes at hand. Worth a try, but don't expect the next Smash Bros.
If you're a fan of Jackbox's stuff, Quiplash is an easy purchase, a game that will hook you with its multiple puzzles and hilarious answers. Better connectivity and a single player component would've made it the stuff of legend, but being a consistent party favorite is a good second place spot.
If Loot Interactive and the developers at Night Light took away the hand-holding with puzzle solving and given us a speedier way to get around, Whispering Willows would've fared a lot better. As it stands, however, it's still a decent title for fans of the genre, mainly due to its effective presentation and unique abilities. It's not recommended to everyone, but if you're up for a ghost story, dig in.
Had Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition addressed the real problems from the original game, while also keeping some of the high-profile additions, it could've really been something. Instead, it feels like a repackaging that doesn't quite have its heart in the right place. Some fans may have fun with it, but others will have no problem moving on to something just a little bit fresher.
More work could've been done to make Payday 2: Crimewave Edition the ultimate value for fans of the series – especially when it came to making the AI perform up to snuff. Still, the abundant amount of content, combined with strong multiplayer options, make it a heist worth trying with the right squad of goons.
Not only does Sparkle Unleashed reek of being a mobile game, but a mostly unoriginal one at that. Sure, the fantasy theme is nice, and the gameplay does fare rather well after you get used to it, but more variety could've easily set this apart from other puzzle games that are out there – something Sparkle 2 suffered from last year as well. Still, if you can't live without your Luxor-like action, this is worth a look.
Had Vector Unit included better characterization and adjusted the difficulty to the point it wasn't trying to pummel you each race (there's competitive and then there's "don't mind me, I'm cheating"), Beach Buggy Racers would've been a solid debut for kart-racing action on newer systems. As it stands, it's not bad, as its multiplayer has something to offer, and the track design clicks. Just be prepared to fight for your first place victory – this ain't no leisure cruise around the island.
If Magicka 2 had a far more single player campaign – and some more visual substance to make it pop – it's be a classic along the lines of, say, Gauntlet Legends. As it stands, it's too flawed to fully recommend, although if you know a few friends that don't mind casting spells at mindless monsters, it'll cast its spell on you.
While Mega Coin Squad could've gone the extra mile with more single player oomph and online play, what's here is more than serviceable for those looking for a great time with some friends – or collecting coins on their own. The gameplay is original and a lot of fun, and the presentation is right up the alley of Genesis/SNES owners, right down to the cute animations. This is one title worth cashing in on.
Despite some strong world design and a compelling soundtrack, Toren just can't keep up with the other great platformers on the market, even from the previous generation. The miserable visuals, combined with technical problems and loose gameplay, leave this journey coming up way short – and making us wish that The Last Guardian would surface sooner rather than later.
If you're looking for an old-school side-scrolling action game that's along the lines of Dark Souls in logic (but not necessarily tone), Rogue Legacy is a sweet addition to your library. It's hard as heck at times, but progress can eventually be felt for those who stick with it, and the retro-style presentation will be right at home with classic NES/SNES gamers. Just be prepared to cut your teeth on this one – because the enemies cut back.
Lifeless Planet could've been so much more had key decisions been made with less limited breathing, more intricate puzzles, environmental expansion and better gameplay. Instead, it feels more like a second rate space adventure rather than the equivalent of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Oh, what could've been in the stars.
While Color Guardians could've used more zest in its character personality – and a few more easygoing levels to keep rookie players in check – it's still a better game than expected, thanks to its interesting gameplay and crazy challenges. If you're a fan of running or rhythm, be sure to try on this Color.
Ultratron won't gain a following like some of the better twin-stick shooters out there, mainly due to its lack of diversity and modes. Still, Puppy Games and Curve Studios did do something great with the concept, and if you don't mind a game that's a bit old-school, Ultratron will do you good.
A great idea can get a game off the ground in a hurry, but it needs to have the proper execution in order to keep it great. Otherwise…what was the point again? Ether One presents a spellbinding take on memory loss and what really goes on inside a person's head, but tedious voice acting, the pacing of certain puzzles, and the lack of guidance when some players need it the most may leave some folks just as confused as the poor woman who's going through all its torment. Considering it's free on PlayStation Plus at the moment, it's worth a look – but its problems probably won't allow the game to linger in your mind for too long.
Wolfenstein: The New Order set a gold standard with its release last year, and we're happy to report that The Old Blood continues that standard. Even without multiplayer, the game shines in nearly every aspect, and holds up the tradition of B.J. Blazkowicz's Nazi-killing provocatively well. If you loved the first game, this eight-hour adventure is just what you need.
With a little more elbow grease and a lot more consideration for the hardware at hand, State of Decay: Survival Edition could've found a strong second life on the Xbox One. Instead, it feels like it was rushed in several corners, and despite its stacked content, it doesn't quite live up to its potential. It's worth a look if you're into alternate zombie-battling games, but it's not nearly the solid State it could've been.
Had Project Root thrown in a better checkpoint system and a far more rockin' soundtrack, it could be considered one of the better retro-inspired shooters on the market. As it stands, only a certain few will be able to appreciate it with its high difficulty settings. Those that do, however, should be satisfied with getting to the Root of the problem.
While We Are Doomed can't quite break the upper echelon of great shooters, it's certainly something that shouldn't be overlooked. Its old-school vibe is irresistible, and the gameplay, while limited, has its explosive moments. If you've got $10 to burn and love shooters, you owe it to yourself to get Doomed.