Codi Spence
Sega Genesis Classics boasts an amazing collection of 50 games, all of which will keep you busy and entertained for hours. Some of the games can be challenging to a fault, but that's just the way some old school games were made. The games hold true to their original forms and bring you a cartridge full of nostalgia that you can pop right into the console of your heart.
Super Hyperactive Ninja fits in the realm of Super Meat Boy-style platformers, but has its own touches added in. Having to keep an eye on the caffeine meter while balancing the use of Hyperactive mode forces you to think strategically. The challenging nature can be fun and frustrating, but it's worth the time.
Cast of the Seven Godsends is a nice homage back to 2D arcade platformers. The story isn't that interesting, but the simplistic gameplay makes up for that. The varying attacks and Godsend abilities are fun, but without them, things can get rough.
Horizon Chase Turbo is a fun and challenging racing game that harkens back to the old school arcade days. The collision system can be aggravating and dampen the fun as a result. The tracks aren't anything to rave about, but the environments have a bright, plucky charm to them. It has its share of flaws, but it is worth checking out if you need a quick racing fix.
Omensight is an amazing twist on the "Groundhog Day" style storyline. Some thinking and planning is necessary, but The Witch makes this easier. The gameplay is fast, fluid, and very fun. It may seem repetitive to some, but slowly learning and altering the day is part of the journey.
Spacejacked is a wonderful combination of tower defense and fast paced action. The game's hectic nature along with the necessity to plan out your defenses makes for a fun and engaging challenge. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for each player, but that's part of the fun.
Skies of Fury DX is a great addition to the aerial battle genre. Based on actual events, it allows players to play a part in a historical battle. There's enough challenges and excitement to make you want to gun down enemy pilots for hours, which I happily did.
In the end, Suicide Guy is a surprisingly goofy romp through the dreams of a typical slob. The story isn't the deepest, but it gets points for subverting expectations and not being a cliche. The variety of level designs and clever methods of completion are refreshing. It provides a fun little challenge without becoming a chore.
The Way Remastered is a fun and challenging puzzle platformer. The world is wonderfully crafted and is a sight to behold. The game closing errors and game breaking bug are annoying and ruin the fun. Relying only on autosave can cause problems, as I learned the hard way. Hopefully the planned patch can fix these issues.
The Bethesda Pack for Pinball FX3 adds another set of three great pinball tables to the already vast lineup. The tables are creatively designed and the similarities to their respective games is amazing. The methods of completing missions can be complicated, but at the same time, that adds to the depth. Taking the time to explore all three worlds is definitely worth it.
Urban Trial Playground is a simple, yet enjoyable stunt show through various parts of California. The levels are well made and the scenery looks amazing. There's a good variety of levels, but they don't take that long to complete.
Castle of Heart is a fun platformer with an interestingly challenging twist. The levels are well designed, but depending on skill, they may not take too long. The story is your run of the mill " slay the bad guy and save the girl" plot, but that meshes perfectly with a world of knights and monsters.
Midnight Deluxe is a cute little platformer that relies on golf-like controls to reach your goal. It isn't the hardest game, but it offers a nice challenge for a casual gaming session. It may not take much of your time, but for $4.99, I'd say Midnight Deluxe is worth a buy.
Frantics is a nice addition to the Playlink family, allowing friends to get together and play minigames by using their phones. There is a good variety of games, although more would make it better. Plenty of fun twists such as the secret missions, traps, and auctions add to the experience.
Pinball FX3 shows that it has what it takes to make great movie based tables, especially when taking on the Jurassic films.
Whether a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, Dynasty Warriors 9 is sure to delight lovers of the hack and slash genre. The story is interesting enough to keep you playing, but the main focus will be on the combat. The open world aspect of the game gives you more freedom of choice, which players will appreciate. There are a few issues, but nothing too overwhelming.
Knowledge is Power is more than just another trivia game, it's a battle of wits and reflexes. The goofy characters and the ridiculous hazards will cause everyone to burst out laughing. Once you start a game, it might not be long before you realize you've played another five.
Hidden Agenda is like stepping into a crime drama and influencing how it plays out. The branching narrative is a welcoming aspect and makes me want to play it multiple times. It's fun to play alone, but taking it on with friends is a treat all on it's own.
Raiders of the Broken Planet delivers a strong shooter experience. The combat of the game keeps you engaged, as you need to be ready to be flanked at any time. The campaign is short but sweet, and leaves you wanting more. The missions are challenging without being too tough, even playing solo. Looking forward to more campaigns being released.
The gameplay feels tight and precise, which is great considering how fast paced and frantic this game can get. The soundtrack sets the cyberpunk tone well and even mixes in the ominous feeling of something not being right. The world that is built is amazing yet dark and disturbing at the same time. There are plenty of challenging fights to keep you playing until you've beaten the game.