Casey Scheld's Reviews
Combining the worlds of shmups, roguelikes, and brick breakers sounds like a recipe for disaster, but Galactic Bulwark Strike deftly handles all three with ease. Though it is a little on the short side, players will appreciate the variety each playthrough offers.
Owl Watch provides a hollow experience when all is said and done. Its distinct low poly aesthetics stand out, but the lack of content and short length prevent this title from making any sort of impact.
RGB Run takes a simple concept and makes it incredibly frustrating. What should have been a simple Simon Says-style game is filled with the brim with gimmicks designed to make you lose your cool.
Those that can look past Montaro RE's somewhat tasteless scoring mechanic will enjoy an endless runner that doesn't skimp on the challenge.
Resynth offers up a relaxing experience that features the best elements of both rhythm and puzzle games. Though it can sometimes get obtuse, the lack of pressure makes it a solid title to unwind with.
Earth Defense Force 5 doubles down on its B-movie aesthetic to create an experience that is equal parts goofy and fun. The lack of enemy variety leads to some repetition, but those who grew up with cult cinema classics will enjoy taking down this alien menace.
70 Seconds Survival will test your patience in 70 second increments. Its roughshod controls and poor design make it seem more like a project car than a nitro-fueled racer that can stand toe-to-toe with the greats.
American Patriots: The Swamp Fox's fight against the redcoats might offer something new, but the gameplay, graphics, and engine are far too underdeveloped for players to get invested in the long term.
Rival Megagun deftly changes up the shmup formula while effortlessly nailing the basics. PVP is a game changer, and while more characters and stages would be welcome, what is here provides a compelling competitive challenge that places an emphasis on both defense and offense.
Those who have already had their hearts taken by Persona 5 will enjoy their time with Dancing in Starlight, but those less familiar with the Phantom Thieves may be disappointed at its small song count and lack of extra content.
Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight might not have the largest tracklist in the genre, but the remixed tunes and challenging gameplay ring true. Those that don't mind a package that is a little on the light side will enjoy mastering its unique playlist.
Tayal is a blatant ripoff of the Mega Man series that completely misses what made Capcom's series so great. The frustrating platforming, along with the brutal difficulty, make it an easy pass for even the most diehard fans of the Blue Bomber.
Coffence's unique take on the fighting game genre stands out, but its battles could use some fine tuning. It offers something new, but only the most diehard of fighters should drink up.
Factory of Monsters is a broken game that will waste the time of all those who stumble across it. Don't bother playing this one, even for a laugh – this is one dud of a release.
Those with a love of visual novels, good art, or fur babies will enjoy Cateau. Though it ends far too soon, it provides a wholesome romp filled with three distinct personalities.
Dead Dungeon fails to capture the platforming magic that made its inspiration so great. Even the most diehard fan of games like Super Meat Boy can pass on this one without missing anything of importance.
Rigid Force Alpha doesn't commit any cardinal shmup sins, but it doesn't stand out either. Those looking for the next Gradius or R-Type will find comfort in its familiarity, but the whole experience does not leave a lasting impression.
The Pizza Delivery Boy Who Saved the World lays on the cheese thick, but its humor often misses the mark. The actors and actresses behind Doug's adventure no doubt had fun making this visual novel, but the end result feels more like an in-joke than a laugh riot.
Wonder Wickets turns the game of golf on its head with its vibrant worlds and saccharine stylings. Gameplay can be somewhat gimmicky, but those looking for a far out take on the time-tested sport will find a lot to like here.
When the game launcher has a typo in it, you just know that you have a broken, buggy mess on your hands. Playing Freebot: Battle for FreeWeb is an experience in the worst way possible, and is without a doubt the worst title released this year.