The game’s boss battles are incredibly fun and intense; when first trying to take them down, you’ll fumble a bit and get your ass kicked; especially when you have a sliver of the boss’ health. But once you get into a groove and learn the enemy patterns, they are definitely some of the most fun boss battles envisioned. They feature a perfect blend of fun and challenge.
Landflix Odyssey is one of the most jam-packed content indie games I’ve played in recent memory. While the core is a 2D action platformer, the fact that each chapter brings something different makes it feel like a bundle of five different games. While the game’s difficulty feels uneven through each “show” along with pain in the ass boss battles, the amount of content here makes up for it. It will test your patience and skills; there’s definitely a lot of bang for your buck here.
Panzer Dragoon Remake is definitely an interesting and fun on-rail shooter. The game looks and plays great but, unfortunately, given the game’s length, lack of gameplay depths, it’s difficult to recommend this game, especially with a $25(USD) price tag. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of the Panzer Dragoon series or looking for a vastly different shump, I’d recommend waiting for a sale on this one.
Vampire’s Fall: Origins is surprisingly deep customization-wise, with a map wide enough to explore for quite some time and the combat itself is unique and interesting… when you get actually *in* combat that is. The lack of encounters will ensure frustration as you’ll constantly be underpowered and making grinding nigh-impossible. Otherwise, this is a pretty fun and addictive RPG. This is definitely a surprise gem for me this year. RPG fans, do not miss out.
Clea is an interesting game as a whole; it doesn’t reinvent the wheel. Controls feel a bit loose and there’s a definite lack of scares as you’re being hunted down the halls of the Whitlock Mansion. If you’re looking for a bite-sized experience, Clea is sure to fill that void.
Bright Memory is an awesome achievement given it was developed by a one-man studio. It looks impressive, plays smoothly and is action-packed. While using well-known gameplay mechanics, it still somehow feels new and refreshing. While overall great, it does have its flaws. Character movement feels very slow making some sub-boss battles harder than they should. After playing this, I’m excited to get my hands on the complete Bright Memory Infinite project currently slated for next year.
Despite its auto-run mechanic, Kid Tripp is an addictive, fun albeit frustrating 2D platformer. Some levels will require practice in order to learn enemy and obstacle placement in order to prepare yourself properly. While I would’ve liked it better as a standard platformer, this is a unique bite-size game for those looking for a quick challenge.
Katamari Damacy ReRoll has one of the most original, quirky, and unique presentations. The game is very much color and cute; the Prince looks to be made of various shapes while in the few cutscenes we get, the characters are all blocky; which is quite humorous.
Despite showing its age, Star Wars Episode I Racer is a competent and decent racer even as we’re jumping next-gen. Xbox players craving a sci-fi racing game akin to the F-Zero series can pick up this little gem to compensate although it might be too easy. Despite thin replay value, it’s surprisingly deep and easy to pick up. I definitely recommend this game.
Aside from the visual upgrade, the Special Edition of the game allows players to play as Vergil, Dante’s brother. While you’d expect a new perspective or shorter storyline from Vergil’s point of the view, it’s basically the same game minus the cinematic cutscenes; same areas, same bosses.
Foregone is one of the best 2D platformers I’ve had the privilege of reviewing this year. But nothing is perfect; the lack of checkpoints between terminals can prove frustrating and sometimes the game feels relentless. However, the upgrade system, combat, boss battles make this game worth every minute of it. I definitely recommend this one.
Given the plethora of beat’em ups available, Shadow Gangs is an easy pass. From the unforgiving nature of the game, questionable detection issues in combat, the game feels rushed, half-assed and could’ve used a bit more work. There are so many better options out there. Don’t waste your hard-earned money on this.
Alphadia Genesis doesn’t reinvent the JRPG wheel. It’s a cookie-cutter turn-based RPG with little innovations. The game is story-heavy which can make it feel the game’s progression tedious. It’s easy to pick up and play with very simplistic combat. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or simply wanting to dab into it for the first time, Alphadia Genesis is a great choice; just don’t expect too much depth.
DiRT 5 is a mix of arcade-style racer and racing simulation. While the driving isn’t as stiff as typical racing sims, it doesn’t require careful manipulation around corners and also while stuck in a pack of vehicles.
Ty The Tasmanian Tiger HD is a pretty simple and straightforward 3D platformer. Fans of the genre will enjoy it, although might find that some mechanics haven’t aged all that well and also a bit too simplistic. It’s a nice diversity from the upcoming waves of AAA games and it’s perfect for gamers of all ages.
Unfortunately, it’s hard, near impossible, to recommend point and click games on consoles; Commander ’85 included; especially given the game gives you an option to actually type commands. The game is not intuitive, vastly tedious, slow and devoid of gameplay variety aside from moving around a cursor. Had it been more like Life is Strange, this could’ve been much better. This type of game is perfect of PC and mobile devices, but otherwise, this is a pass.
Twin Breaker: A Sacred Symbols Adventure is a fun and challenging take on a once simplistic game that we know as Brick Breaker. With the progressively increasing challenge from level to level to its bevy of different game modes, Twin Breaker: A Sacred Symbols Adventure is sure to keep players busy for quite some time. Despite the feeling that some bounces feel random and oft-seemingly out of reach bricks, it doesn’t bring down the experience at all. Definitely a surprise gem of the year.
Inertial Drift is a unique racing/drifting racer, but it feels counter-intuitive. While the game does have a reasonable amount of content aside from the drifting mechanic, it takes a while to get used to and the A.I.’s frustrating difficulty makes it a hit or miss. Personally, I found myself frustrated more than anything. I applaud the developer for taking a chance, but unless you plan on spending hours on end on this game, it’s a pass.
Never been a huge fan of the Metroidvania genre, but Minoria (along with Touhou Luna Nights) came out of left field to surprise and sink its teeth in me. The simplistic combat mixed with the various Incenses, gothic setting and its haunting score and the challenging boss battles makes for a great game. It won’t be a cakewalk and does require a bit of mastery of the dodging/parring, but within the first hour, everything feels right and clicks. If you can tolerate backtracking through the map and the deep exploration, Minoria is a must-play.
While the point-and-click genre isn’t in my top 5 of favorite genres, I was actually looking forward to give this game a shot. Unfortunately, Leisure Suit Larry Wet Dreams Don’t Dry doesn’t change my stance on the genre. Vague hints for puzzles, the constant peaking and poking everything/everywhere makes for a tedious experience. Fans of the genre will definitely enjoy this more mature themed experience.