Monster Bash has aged surprisingly well, and the HD version helps make the game accessible and preserves its identity. It’s not especially long, but there’s a ton of content here should you choose to seek it out. The developers clearly had a soft spot for this charming little horror game, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s even a new secret level, which is a wonderful addition if you can find it. If you’ve never played a Shareware title or one of Apogee’s early games, this is a great place to start.
Is Ocean’s Heart worth playing? Absolutely. The low difficulty and complexity make it feel like Zelda for beginners, but that’s not necessarily a fault either. It might not reinvent the wheel, but Ocean’s Heart has just enough heart to make it worth it.
Dark Deity is a flawed—but enjoyable—take on the classic Fire Emblem formula. I wish some of its elements weren’t so obtuse and vague, but I still found it impossible to put down. There’s room for a sequel, so hopefully, it won’t be too long before we get a chance to revisit Terrazael.
Kombinera is a smart but vicious little puzzler. It doesn’t pull any punches. Fans of puzzle platformers should absolutely check it out but be warned: you’re bound to learn new some new colorful language before all is said and done. Despite its accessibility, it’s not for the faint of heart (or those with high blood pressure).
Get-a-Grip Chip, and its educational sequel, is a charming platformer with a ton of heart. Its simple mechanics and complex designs will get your heart racing and your fingers twitching. For such a tiny robot, there sure is a lot to love here. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for Chip’s next adventure.
A creative and clever experience from start to finish, Dungeons of Dreadrock simply should not be missed. It’s a brilliant little puzzler and an endearing homage to both dungeon crawlers and action-puzzlers. Just be prepared to die, and remember, there’s no shame in getting a hint or two (or five).
Much like its inspiration, Freezer Pops is a one-note experience. We all know the narrative is just a flimsy pretext for getting these guys into ostensibly sexy situations. It only takes a few hours to complete, and there’s little reason to revisit it. It’s kind of a wild ride while it lasts, though.
Spacewing War is a straightforward shmup in a crowded genre. Its Game Boy aesthetic is pleasant, it controls well, and it provides a decent challenge. It just doesn’t have that spark to set it apart from its brethren. It needs a shot of adrenaline and a confidence boost. Still, it’s not a bad way to spend an afternoon if you need to scratch that shmup itch.
I think there’s a solid game here under all the technical issues, but it’s hard to say. XEL’s combat and time-based puzzles are satisfying, the setting and narrative are engaging, and its aesthetically charming. But until those issues are addressed, XEL is largely unplayable. I’ve spent way more time dealing with those issues than I have playing the game. I’d like to revisit it in the future, assuming it gets fixed.
Cursed to Golf is a brilliant little golf game. Its smart design encourages creativity, and its roguelike elements, while harsh, aren’t brutal enough to derail the experience. It’s astonishing how well the individual parts from different genres mix into a cohesive whole—or should I say “hole”? More than anything, though, it’s just fun. That’s all there is to it: it’s just a fun game that deserves your attention.
Absolute Tactics: Daughters of Mercy is a solid entry-level tactical RPG that just needs…more. More enemies, more level variety, and a more compelling story. Newcomers to the genre will find a lot to like here; experts, your mileage may vary.
I struggle to find much to complain about here. The gameplay and production are solid. If anything, I wish there were more of…everything. It took me about three hours to 100% beat the game. There are three coins to find in each level, but there doesn’t seem to be a reward for getting them. The first half of the game can be a bit predictable, but the latter half is more creatively diverse, which makes me wonder what another world or two of content would have been like. Even if you don’t like onions, Onion Assault is a well-crafted and polished little game that’s worthy of your time.
Cramped Room of Death feels like a solid starting point for an excellent sequel. The spear mechanic brilliantly subverts what would otherwise be a standard puzzle experience. It’s easy to recommend to genre fans and those looking for something a little different. However, a little more variety would have made it a must-have. I don’t regret the 10+ hours I spent with it, though, and neither will you.
A Void Hope is a captivating experience with an exemplary presentation but esoteric storytelling. I finished it days ago, and I’m still thinking about it. It’s been a long time since I’ve played a game that so thoroughly creeped me out. It is oppressive, claustrophobic, and chilling. It’s worth playing for that experience alone, even if the unknowable story leaves you answerless.