The Plane Effect is an art exhibit malformed into a game that could have been a beautiful and provoking experience to passively watch.
Blackout Protocol currently suffers from many symptoms of other online-first games. It needs a large player base to function, yet the developers are stifling the community from growing organically. It runs the major risk of being yet another Blightbound - a nearly dead-on-arrival multiplayer game that failed to resuscitate. However, Ocean Drive Studios can perhaps turn things around by taking player feedback seriously. Those interested in Blackout Protocol should monitor the ongoing Early Access development and make a call on when they are ready to jump in.
Buildings Have Feelings Too is more like babysitting than urban planning.
This port of As Far As The Eye does very little to make use of the PlayStation 4. The game itself has some fun ideas, and those that enjoy exploration and gathering aspects of simulation games like Civilization or Starcraft will find some enjoyment. Still, if possible, one should go for the Steam or Epic Store PC release if they have that option.
Spelunker HD Deluxe is a re-release that doesn’t improve on old flaws. The game maintains its punishing aspects of a retro platformer. It is challenging, but not necessarily rewarding.
Mia and the Dragon Princess is really only for the most diehard interactive FMV game fans. Even if one loves the rest of the Wales Interactive library, the game’s story is just a glaring oversight that brings down all of the great acting. Players will want to wait for a sale or bundle or to look for other game options in the meantime.
New Joe and Mac: Caveman Ninja is just for the desperate who want the same old-school gameplay. Those that have never ventured into the series might not find anything special or unique about this remake. Regardless, any that consider buying the game should highly consider at least an initial price reduction or maybe new updates, if ever.
Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia doesn’t do much to stand out. It can provide similar action to those that have already gone through all of the other Asterix and Obelix action games. Even then, those interested should consider a price drop from the current $30 price. For new players, one should, at minimum play Asterix and Obelix XXL Romastered and Asterix and Obleix XXL 2: Mission Las Vegum first before considering this spiritual sequel.
Voyage is a pleasant little journey with fantastic music and superb art direction. But with little to do, it isn’t much of an actual video game. While Voyage can be a fun experience, it isn’t worth the current asking price. Those interested in the PlayStation 4 version should wait for a major sale or potential future giveaway.
This is the President has an interesting concept but doesn’t have strong enough narrative, dialogue, or characters to carry it the entire way through.
Quantum Replica is indecisively between methodical stealth and high speed.
Shing! tries to reinvent the beat’em up but fails to impress.
Broken Roads feels like a game plucked out of the late 90s era of RPGs. It lacks a lot of quality-of-life features seen in most modern games. But, for some that lack of hand-holding may be what you’re looking for. The Australian Outback theme is rather unique, so that might be an additional appeal. Otherwise, Broken Roads is lacking in cohesion and is really only for the most die-hard RPG fans.
New Cycle has a good foundation for a city planner with strong survival elements. But it still needs polish, balance, and lots of quality of life improvements. It is very clearly an Early Access title. For fans of the Anno series, investing in the game now might be worth the risk. For others, it might be better to wait and watch when New Cycle eventually hits its full release.
Worldless has a great premise and presentation. But it's clear that it's a console-first game and that putting it on a PC is an afterthought. If you enjoy the exploration aspects of Metroid and Castlevania games, you will find a lot to enjoy. However, several combat balances need to be implemented, including an easy skill refund, additional skill points, and a design native to the PC platform.
Moonstone Island is mostly frustrating and has little fun to it. There are too many time restrictions, almost as if the developers were unsure if it should be a survival simulator or a causal sandbox. The card-based battles make fights a slog, especially when you can’t properly build a deck without using consumables. Moonstone Island is mostly for those who want challenging and obtuse grinds. Maybe Studio Supersoft is making more balancing changes, as the team is very responsive on both Discord and the Steam forums.
Trepang2 plays things rather safely. It isn’t going to throw out sudden curve balls – or at least not succeed in its attempt. Still, what is presented is masterfully done. Fans of 20 year old shooters will get a thrill for 8-20 hours or more. However, Trepang2 isn’t any sort of gateway into the genre and converts people who are used to modern shooter mechanics like regenerating health or aiming down the sights.
One should highly consider Tortuga – A Pirate’s Tale if they what a mix of high adventure, tough combat, exploration, and logistical management. Its presentation is rather confusing and nearly recycled from the older version of Port Royal. Still, it can be a very fun experience once learning the ropes.
Sword and Fairy: Together Forever was made for already existing fans and is an unsuitable jumping-off point for newcomers. At a minimum, one should have at least gone through Sword and Fairy 6 but will be better off knowing the entire series. This might be a tall order, as most of the games are exclusively in Mandarin and sold only in Asia.
Godlike Burger has some fantastic concepts but isn’t executed quite well. These issues aren’t big enough to ruin the game's entirety but make it feel like balance patches should be deployed soon. Definite improvements could include full open sandbox mode, better controls, and some multiplayer.