Ultimately, Road to Gehenna serves as a fantastic addition to an already-great game. Fans of The Talos Principle should definitely pick it up, though I'm not sure it works as a reason to throw down the $39.
While it's not exactly reinventing the genre or creating anything brand-new, INK is a decent and inexpensive addition to the library of platfoming fans. There's plenty of challenge, but it's presented in a way that keeps punishment for death light and free from the 'cheap' feeling that many games can have.
In the end, Roving Rogue makes a bit of a splash with its interesting means of storytelling, but that's about it. From the frustrating controls to the uninspired level design, the rest of the game falls pretty flat.
In all, Traverser creates a compelling world with numerous interesting quirks and a solid story. While the puzzles aren't what they likely could be, given the intriguing design and mechanics, they're also not so awful as to make the experience entirely dull.
So, what's the final word on Cast of the Seven Godsends? It's tough to say; while I'm a fan of nostalgic throwbacks, this title isn't bringing much that's new or innovative to the genre. Still, with a low $6.
Altogether, Spectra creates a short yet enjoyable experience that mostly makes up for its visual sameness with the great supporting soundtrack, which is also available for purchase. For a lowly $7.
In the end, Zenzizenzic is a great game for those who like the twin stick shoot-em-up genre, but may be looking for something with a little more to it. Great design, smooth controls, and plentiful upgrades and weapon options means there's plenty to check out, and the ever-growing Macro Mode offers a unique take.
Altogether, Ronin creates an entirely novel experience that's given a solid boost from the sound and graphic design. While some frustration crops up in enemy-heavy territory, some trial-and-error in addition to strategic thinking is more than enough to get through even the tightest squeezes.
While much of Kholat can feel repetitive as players roam aimlessly through the barren landscape, the spine-creeping sense of dread that accompanies the rest of the game more than makes up for it. There were a few times that I began to feel a bit bored with winding through the same rocky paths, but they were offset by the time spent struggling to survive against encroaching threats and the strangely threatening narration of Game of Thrones' Sean Bean.
In summary, Her Story is likely worth playing if only because it is so profoundly different. When you throw in solid writing, passable acting, and the need for players to reach their own conclusions about what happened, it comes together exceptionally well.
Adventures of Pip has plenty to offer in terms of action, as in addition to completing each level, players can rescue three of the scattered townsfolk within each stage. The game's pixel currency can also be used to buy helpful items and upgrades to aid Pip in his journey, and each boss battle bestows a health increase upon victory.
Ultimately, Brawl falls well short of being a great game. The control issues and, in my personal experience, difficulty finding players to match up with fail to capitalize on the visual design and setting.
Between the far-reaching scale, the slick and intuitive combat, and the fun of raising heroes through the years, MASSIVE CHALICE brings a whole lot to the table. While each piece may not be strong enough to stand in its genre alone, the combination and way that each plays into the other creates a phenomenally fun experience.
Ultimately, the boiled-down approach of 0rbitalis, both in interactivity and aesthetic, works out pretty well. While struggling through the same level for extended periods gets wearisome, the variety as more levels unlock means plenty of new things to try.
The bottom line, though, is that I did enjoy Schrödinger's Cat and the Raiders of the Lost Quark. Despite some lazy level design, the game's clever wit and vivid, animated design manages to create a unique and somewhat engaging experience.
Not A Hero is a game that rarely slows down, offers a ton of variety to both primary and secondary missions, and is seeping with beautiful nostalgia. While it's sometimes wearisome trying to get through a single mission that keeps getting you down, when you finally get past that hurdle, there's always something new waiting.
Sym paints a stark picture of the disorder it explores. A simple yet interesting visual style, along with difficult obstacles, helps create a sense of accomplishment when players advance.
There's no mention of price there or on the game's official site just yet. If it is sold at a low cost though, there's merit in the game as a pick-up-and-play timekiller with some addictive qualities.
Exploring themes of horror, personal relationships, and personal agency, The Charnel House Trilogy weaves a fantastic tale that is well-written, and relatively well-acted. As more and more of the truth started to become clear nearing the game's conclusion, I found myself completely drawn in.
Even more impressive, according to one of the game's trailers, is that the whole affair is the work of one-man developer Ivan Venturi. Fetching a neat $14.