Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed hits almost all the right notes to bring the heart of the franchise to our screens. This is the fantasy of so many kids brought to life, and in a way that really feels like it does the movies and the spirit (no pun intended, this time!) of the franchise justice. From gorgeous graphics to engaging asymmetrical gameplay and hitting those notes of nostalgia that appeal to older players who grew up with the original movies, this game does it right. In the end, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
Construction Simulator is a highly detailed simulation of the modern construction process. Putting the player at the controls of a huge fleet of replicas of authentic equipment, this gorgeous game will hit the spot for players looking for a relatively relaxed, engaging game. This is a great fit for the dedicated building or management gamer, but has a slower pace than RTS or action gamers will be used to. Grab this one when you need a break from against-the-clock action and you won’t be disappointed.
Naptime and By Aliens have delivered a fun casual puzzle game in Logic Pic. Dropping for the Switch free of the mobile version’s in-app purchases, Logic Pic packs in tons of content with the base game. Co-op and Versus modes turn this previously solitary style of puzzler into fun with friends or family, and extra puzzle packs are available from day one in case you somehow manage to finish the 1,000+ included with the base game. A great choice to round out your Switch library with something you won’t feel awkward sharing with any generation of player.
Deadcraft is a visually beautiful (if at times cartoonishly gorey) game that plays quite smoothly. Effective in-game tutorials support the game’s signature dual-natured crafting and combat systems. Quick action and a well-constructed UI keep the player engaged with minimal overhead. Nested menu systems and a lack of hotkeys make it apparent this game was built with consoles in mind, but are easy enough to navigate that this is a design choice that shouldn’t cost much goodwill from PC-only players. A focus on getting adequate food and water slows down the early game, but also emphasizes the harsh environment the game is set in very effectively. Overall, Deadcraft is a well-constructed action IsoRPG, and fans of the genre would do well to grab it on the platform of their choice.
Originally for Nintendo Switch, Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia comes through PlayStation 4 before now arriving on PC via Steam. The gameplay mechanics are enjoyable, but this port has ignored the mouse and the PC’s range of keyboard inputs. The lack of a streamlined user experience leaves this game feeling slow and clumsy compared to PC-native titles. A good title, but not a great fit for the PC in its current state.
Dice Legacy: Corrupted Fates provides a good balance of new and updated features and additional content for the price point it has launched at. Extra game options address criticisms of the base game for being somewhat stressful as the campaign progresses, and the addition of a new dice class can make even the original campaign play differently this time through. Additional leader and political options further refresh the title, making this DLC a solid addition for players who enjoyed the original game.
A modern homage to the tile-based TRPG’s of the late 1990’s, Dark Deity will land solidly as a nostalgia hit with older gamers who grew up playing these games. Unfortunately, two decades of progress in game design have left elements of this format feeling dated and behind the times. With excessive reliance on static tableaus behind endless text dialogue windows, limited visual information during player-controlled battle segments and a lack of any tutorial or introduction to the game’s mechanics, Dark Deity simply doesn’t stack up favorably against other modern offerings.
Overall, Dice Legacy is a very fresh and creative entry in a genre that can often feel like every game is just a reskin of another. The use of dice to randomize the actions available and the steady pace of external events changes this from a game of long-term strategy to one of improvisation and reaction. Clean, visually appealing art style wars with a slightly too large UI scale that can obscure much of the play area. Great for people who like to think on their feet and maintain a decent rate of action and excitement for extended periods. Not an at-your-own pace city builder like Cities: Skylines or other descendants of SimCities, however, so look elsewhere if you’re after a quiet, relaxing time.
Overall, Out Of Line lives up to the promise shown in its trailers, and is a nice light addition to one’s game library. As a relatively linear side-scroller I wouldn’t count on extremely high replayability, but endless replays are not really the expectation for this style of game. With no real combat, Out Of Line relies heavily on its well-designed puzzle levels to engage the player, but manages to do this without feeling repetitive or punishing. In the end, if you’re looking for something that gets your adrenaline up, give this a pass. If you’re looking for fun you can share with anyone in the family, or a relaxing end to a stressful day, Out Of Line is an excellent choice, and definitely worth your support.