I ended up leaning towards the hate it side of the Marmite argument with Unto the End mostly because of its combat system which I really could not get my head around. I guess I’m getting old and my reaction times are slowing. At the same time though I feel the developer does deserve some credit. The art style of this game is simple but beautiful and when things were flowing well I was really in awe of this game. There will be some gamers out there that will adore this game for it’s punishing difficulty and get a sense of grand achievement on completing. For most though I would say approach with caution. What Unto the End has is good hence my rating but it’s just not going to be for everyon
Shakes on the Plane has all the right ingredients for an enjoyable co-op game but much like turbulence on a plane the balance just feels off and much of the game to me was spent frustrated and confused about where we went wrong. A pity because there is fun to be had here. Maybe with some tweaking and patching it could make for a much more enjoyable title. For the moment I would approach this plane ride with caution. Also, don’t forget to fasten your seat belt.
Freddy Spaghetti feels a bit like a novelty Christmas present. Some will open the gift and get the joke and like it but others will open it probably be polite and smile and not understand, then possibly give it away to someone next year. It’s a nice price to take a chance on, maybe even consider buying it for a friend, but if you’ve not been sold on physics-based games like Octodad or Human: Fall Flat before this will unlikely be the one to win you over. I guess it is the best video game ever about Spaghetti though.
Monster Sanctuary was a nice surprise for me. While on the surface it looks familiar to popular monster-catching games Monster Sanctuary feels like a darn decent RPG that I would recommend to any fan of the genre. It’s Monster Sanctuary’s unique and detailed battle system and generous customisation options that make it stand out from the crowd. I loved exploring the world with my blue wolf I called Stephen and I see myself revisiting it again.
Space Invaders Forever has some entertaining games but it is disappointing the developers did not put a little more work into this collection. Each game feels like a straight port from its original system instead of being adapted and improved for the Switch. If you’re a Space Invaders fan it may be worth a look but you may want to look into the Space Invaders Invincible collection. If you’re just testing the Space Invaders waters this is a pretty good place to start. For a fan though, I was very sad coming away from this.
Heroes of Loot is a simple fun arcade gameplay to play in those short gaming bursts alone or with a friend. While there’s not much more depth to its design sometimes simple is all some gamers need.
While I started out feeling lukeworm on Death Tales the more I played it over short gaming sessions the more I enjoyed its loot mechanic and art style. The floaty combat has it flaws that won’t suit everyone. This is easily a game I would recommend if you’re looking for a simple action platformer to shut your brain off for awhile before getting back on with some work. Don’t fear the reaper, Death Tales is alright.
Phogs! is a game that will make you and hopefully a friend smile from ear to ear much like the constant smiles of the dogs you play as in this game. The joy of this title really comes from sharing the experience with someone else. But if that’s not possible for you then this is still nice casual puzzler to cosy up with and enjoy in handheld mode.
While I have been harsh on Oniria Crimes I do feel there is a niche audience for this game. If you’re able to immerse yourself in the world and like the idea of a tough point and click game this might be for you. In the games current state, I would still recommend waiting till it gets some much-needed patching. Not a game for me but I hope it finds some fans because of all my critique the idea here is at least different.
Electro Ride is a decent racing game. The graphics and music are the clear highlights but the gameplay and basic racing design doesn’t make this particularly special. The difficult start may put off gamers new to the racing genre. If you want a simple racing game that gives you some 80’s vibes there is fun to be had here. Just don’t expect much more.
Haven is a game best enjoyed with someone else while making yourselves comfy on the sofa. While not without its flaws, a brave decision to focus on the story about a couple makes this a unique title worth immersing yourself in. The music is brilliant and the characters are just lovely. The story may go through the typical beats that I expect lovers to go through in a typical film. Its the talent of the voice actors and the accessibility of the gameplay for most audiences that keep you hooked till the end. Sometimes in life a game just hits you and ends up being better than you could possibly imagine. Haven to me is one of those game made even better because I got to share it with someone special.
I, AI has a good premise for a space shooter but doesn’t seem to do much with it. What is left is a decent space shooter that will appeal to fans looking for a simple to moderate challenge but won’t appeal to the hardcore space shooter audience. A fun enough space shooter but shame it didn’t do more to stand out from the rest.
Out of Space is a game well worth picking up in co-op. It’s an original and unique concept that I can’t say I have experienced in a game before. While it has a few niggles it doesn’t stop this from being something you’re sure to create wonderful gaming memories with.
BFF or Die is just the ticket if you’re looking for a simple puzzle co-op game to enjoy with family or friends on the sofa. The aliens themselves are fun, it’s just a shame the setting is a bit dull. Still, the gameplay is solid. Not so much fun alone but might make for an ideal experience to kill a few hours with your BFF on the sofa.
More Dark may be based in hell but this experience ends up being a simple puzzle game that will keep you busy for a few gaming sessions before moving on to something else. Short and sweet with a few arcade games to break up the puzzles. A decent coffee game at a cheap price.
The Alto Collection is a lovely set of Zen games with simple controls and beautiful music and graphics to enjoy as you adventure down the mountains again and again. Grinding issues aside this is easily a game to return to if you just want that quick gaming fix. Plus this is one of the few games I can think of that gives a bit of love to Lamas so its all good.
The Cherry Orchard is an interesting attempt to bring the theatre experience to video games. Audio issues, graphical glitches and art design that just didn’t seem to come together as well as it should make this hard to recommend to anyone but the most die hard of theatre lovers. The credit I will give the title is it did remind me of the good times I had going to the theatre when I was younger. But in those moments of reminiscing I was reminded how much I would rather just watch the theatre production of the title this is based on. I actually feel one day the theatre experience will come to video games effectively. But as the Cherry Orchard shows we’re not quite there yet.
Micetopia is a fun simple Metroidvania that plays everything very safe. Good controls, graphics and a short campaign that feels over a little too soon. The definition of what I have come to call a coffee game. But by playing it safe Micetopia doesn’t have that special something that makes it stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking for a nice short title at a nice price, this will keep you distracted for a few play sessions.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron is Back is a great package for fans of the old days as well as introducing a new audience to the cuteness of Bub and Bob. Bubble Bobble 4 is a feel-good arcade game that offers a balance of casual and challenging modes that are sure to please a wide audience of gamers. It’s good to have this dinosaur duo back on top form.
In its current state, it has decent rogue-lite elements. Not so much fun alone but the experience really comes alive when playing co-op locally or online. With patching, Metaverse Keeper would make a welcome addition to fans of the rogue-lite genre. But in its current state, I would advise approaching this with caution.