Andrew Purvis
Ninjin: Clash of Carrots is an action packed experience. While the story is barely interesting, the humorous moments are worth a giggle or two. The gameplay is simple enough that virtually anyone can enjoy, and its highly replayable. It’s challenging, but fun in a way that makes you want one more go. With 20+ hours of gameplay, and the inclusion of both online and couch co-op, Pocket Trap’s debut effort is worth your time.
Dark Eclipse is a fairly barebones title. There’s no story, and it’s not much to look at. However, the gameplay, view and control style give it a board game feel that I’m a bit hooked on. Even if you’re not competitive enough for ranked mode, or, like me, just generally don’t like MOBAs, this is a game that you can hop on with a friend and have a good time. The microtransactions are fairly standard, especially in this type or game, but they don’t seem overpriced. If you enjoy the game enough, buying characters could be beneficial to you. If not, the free rotation Leaders are always there, and the game is free, so anyone with PlayStation VR can play. If you’re a fan of MOBAs, RTS, or just want to scratch that board game itch with a friend, Dark Eclipse is a fun, addictive, just one more go kind of game.
Call Of Cthulhu: The Official Game isn’t a horror masterpiece, but it is an experience worth having. Mostly following the trope of other games, it does nothing to differentiate itself from other investigative horror titles, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. All of the aspects combined form a game that is faithful to both Chaosium’s table-top classic, and the Lovecraft universe in general. Fans of one or both have a real treat on their hands with this one. With a well written narrative, interesting gameplay, great use of RPG mechanics, tense horror, and multiple possible outcomes, Cyanide Studio have given us a horror game that justifies the price tag.
Operation Warcade is a great game for someone just starting off in VR. It’s a fun package with enough replay value to justify the price tag. The game has its minor issues, but they don’t detract from the fun factor or playability. All in all, it’s just an easy game to hop into and play for an hour or so and work on some challenges, or just to kill some time for a few minutes. It’s an interesting presentation, and a nostalgic experience for the older generation.
Blind touches on an interesting concept, not often explored in gaming. While there are other examples, I feel this game sets itself apart from the rest with it’s near-perfect utilization of sound, puzzle mechanics, and storytelling, which create an immersive, enthralling experience. Blind simultaneously draws you in with an intense narrative, and sends a chill down your spine with ambience.
Narcosis represents the best of what horror games should strive to be. It's immersive, in nearly every possible way. With an interesting and well presented narrative, you'll find yourself not wanting to stop, as you turn every corner with a sense of dread as to what lies ahead. While the play time is somewhat short, and the absence of support for PlayStation VR is a drawback, there is more than enough in the package to appease true fans of the horror genre. With it's unique setting and atmosphere, Narcosis is a true dive into fear itself.
Aces of the Luftwaffe – Squadron is packed with replay value for the price tag. The progression and level of customization is nice to see combined with the shoot ’em up genre. Though the voice acting leaves something to be desired, it’s enough to help push the story, which is interesting and well handled. Though it’s difficulty may seem frustrating to some, fans of bullet hell games will feel right at home.
Players looking for a unique strategy game might find some fun here. Certain audiences might even be drawn in by the destructive factor. For VR users, it's a severely limited, but interesting experience. For non-VR players though, aside from tower rush fans, or those looking for some sort of strategy game, Vroom Kaboom is better left forgotten.