Chaz Miller
All in all, Skyhill is a very simple, straightforward game that doesn't spend a lot of time with unnecessary dressings. While the limited space may seem like a downside, there's more than enough to explore and plenty of ways to go about each game. It may not have the depth of some of its genre, it makes up for it with the approachable gameplay and plentiful replay value.
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.
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.
I wish there was more detail to that side of it, but games are ultimately about having fun and doing something that presents intriguing obstacles, entertaining play, and worthwhile distractions – and, all things considered, Croixleur Sigma meets those requirements more often than not.
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.
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.
All told, there's a lot of great stuff piled in to Betrayer. The graphics, story tone, setting, and quite a few elements of the FPS mechanics – reload time on the musket, for one – are pretty fantastic, and definitely can pull you in, but the game's lack of focus is an ultimate downfall that ends up turning what could be a really intriguing exploration and survival experience into a meandering , confused journey that loses appeal somewhere along the way.
In full honesty, I'm going to admit that I did not do very well playing Train Fever. It was a difficult and, at times, frustrating experience for me to get the hang of it for this review, but I stuck with it as best I could because, despite my flagrant ineptitude, I got the sense that it was a good game if you're into simulators.
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.
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.
All in all, Monster Slayers is a solid, easy to pick up and play kind of game. While it may not be as mechanically complex as other deck-builders, the variety and ease of gameplay make it a ton of fun to jump into.
If you’re into the retro thing or enjoy a good, not-too-lengthy Metroidvania, Exile’s End may be just the ticket. I put in about eight hours on my run, with some allowances for getting lost a time or two in the game’s pretty open and directionless approach.
Describing its world as an “ancient German future,” Lichtspeer is filled with amusing overtones, and the enemies themselves are often ridiculous and fun. Whether it’s viking penguins aboard longships or blue-skinned giants in sunglasses, there’s a comical feel to the whole thing that helps keep it entertaining.
It may be a tough sell for the true devotees of the Metroid franchise, but Federation Force is a good game. Without the expectations of its title holding it back, I think it would have been a clear and easy win for Nintendo, and the fresh perspective on the setting, while divisive, still gives something new and entertaining.
Despite the punishing difficulty, Road to Ballhalla just has that special something that can keep players coming back. A sleek visual design, a fantastic supporting soundtrack, and clever puns and gentle mocking of your failures all come together to make something that’s as fun as it is frustrating.
All told, Hunter’s Legacy is a good game. It falls short of great by not offering any real innovation, but the smooth play and vibrant design keep it above average on all levels.
All in all, Human: Fall Flat is a sometimes frustrating and often fun experience. With split-screen multiplayer available, you can even enjoy the struggle with a friend as you try to waddle your way to victory.
I certainly can’t recommend Mushroom Wars to everyone, but for those who have a passing interest in real-time strategy, it’s a great option. The game includes a lengthy campaign mode, quick-battle Skirmish mode, and boasts an upcoming multiplayer option to allow players to challenge each other in battle.
While the $9.99 price on Steam may be a bit high considering the relatively short story mode, Super Galaxy Squadron EX packs in a few extras to make it worth it.
If nothing else, Spacejacked easily meets the most important criteria I have when reviewing games — fun. Its frantic pace, interesting take on the genre, and well-executed mechanics make for an enjoyable experience.