Casey Scheld's Reviews
Infinos Gaiden feels like a long-lost SNK game. Though it is not the deepest or longest game around, it's a new experience that almost feels nostalgic.
DJMax Respect has a steep learning curve, but it provides a rewarding experience with tons of content. Those willing to cut their teeth will find a rhythm game that can easily hang with the greats of the genre.
The 25th Ward: The Silver Case has got a unique style, but its script could use some serious edits. Paired with its cryptic and frustrating puzzles, and you've got a game best suited for those with a lot of patience.
Bold Blade unique sword-swinging mechanic has merit, but there's not much game here to speak of. Those looking to feel unstoppable for a brief moment should check out this unique action RPG, but most should wait for a sale before taking the plunge.
Rysen is a standard shoot-em-up that doesn't do anything wrong, but does not do anything out of the ordinary either. Those seeking out another shmup could do far worse, but more casual fans can safely skip this one.
So much is wrong with ShineG in the SeaFight that it's a wonder it even got the greenlight on Steam. Forget about any semblance of strategy or logic – this is one broken game.
AtmaSphere was built around its physics, but unfortunately its physics do not work. What is here feels more like a proof of concept rather than a full-fledged game, making it an easy pass for those looking for the next Marble Madness.
Jet Buster is a blast from the past that captures the spirit of 90s shmups quite well. It's a fine tribute to days gone by, but its incredibly short length doesn't give it much replayability.
Atomic Adam: Episode 1 is a generic beat-em-up that can safely be passed up. The lack of strategy, bland aesthetics, game-breaking bugs, and questionable design don't make a compelling case for a second episode.
Van Darkholme deserves better than his portrayal in Deep Dark Fight. This is a sloppy excuse for a game, and the broken physics will make you curse more than Van himself.
Ski Hard: Lorsbruck 1978's brass tacks approach to skiing is both a blessing and a curse. It's focus on speed and the best time is welcome, but the floaty controls and wonky camera make it far more difficult than it has any right to be.
Drift Zone's concept is basic enough as it is, but the broken physics and repetitive nature make it an exercise in patience. Fans of arcade racers are better off playing one of the classics.
Vulture Strike has an interesting concept with its parallel worlds, but its execution is downright sloppy. The lackluster presentation and lack of care that went into its design make it a huge disappointment.
Skipper can be a frustrating game, but it can also be a rewarding one. It does not have the replayability of some of the genre's greats, but what is here is worth the asking price.
Thy Sword feels more like a follower than a leader in the fantasy game and roguelike space. It does not do anything bad, but it does not do anything out of the ordinary either.
Sonic Forces is a rush job that lacks the charm and attention to detail found in the blue blur's better titles. Don't bother looking for a solid platformer here – the fact that the developers didn't care means that you shouldn't either.
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Exe:Late[st] is a flashy fighter that is a welcome addition to the fighting game community. It's not the deepest game around, but its unique mechanics and anime stylings will appeal to both novice fighters and seasoned vets.
Q-YO Blaster has got its heart in the right place, but it doesn't quite have the follow-through to stand out amongst the greats. It's art style is both its greatest strength and biggest weakness, and it's short length means it doesn't really have much staying power.
It's easy to get lost in the score-based challenges Gunlock has to offer. It's not the meatiest title around, but its tight platforming mechanics and tough-but-fair challenge will appeal to platforming fans looking for their next fix.
Rym 9000 is the coolest shmup you'll play this year. The game provides some serious challenge, but it always plays fair and is a treat to master.