Gunpowder stumbles, but finds its way back with grace. Many of these hiccups are largely forgivable, and amount to minor annoyances. When the ball is served and it's time to begin, it's a title that everyone should try. Innovation is not indicative of a good product, but when pulled off, as Gunpowder clearly has done, it's beyond being a good product. Many gamers forget the personal struggles someone goes through to make a game, putting everything they have into it. Fortunately, for developer Rogue Rocket Games, that paid off splendidly.
There's no reason to really explore outside of the main game, aside from Challenge mode. While the controls could use some fine tuning, this is a wildly creative title. Too often, being very creative means the end result is a mess, yet it can be said without doubt that this isn't a problem Cubixx HD ever suffers from. While casual puzzlers will definitely get turned off by the difficulty, those who like a good challenge will find a fun and deep idea here that is well worth exploring.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is not only a fully functional party game, but one of the best anyone could pick up. Its rules are very confusing at first, and since new modules get introduced fairly frequently, it can be a bit daunting to try and keep up. Don't be deterred, though, because this is a tense, exciting party title that should never be overlooked, and has plenty of content to fall in love with.
Indie games have come a long way, but it's still obvious they are viewed as the lesser option when it comes to gaming for a lot of gamers. It would be a mistake to overlook Stikbold! because it's an indie game. It has its share of hiccups and can falter from time to time, but gamers don't play games for the amazing loading screens. They play them for the game, and once the game is loaded, it is a charming, easy-to-control experience that ensures hours of enjoyability, with or without a partner. Don't overlook this tiny gem because it has these faults; instead, push past them to a solid game that is genuine and truly fun.
Plague Inc: Evolved is a fast paced RTS that puts players in a morbid position, and allows them to become one of the scariest enemies that mankind knows of. It stumbles to execute its HUD in a way that allows the seamlessly moving between menus, and occasionally, defeat can sneak up in mere seconds. While it can be very unfair, it also gives the ability to micromanage well enough in order to still stand a fighting chance. This shouldn't be overlooked by RTS fans, or even fans of "idle" games. It holds together well enough, even if a few kinks hold it back from greatness.
SpeedRunners is the very definition of couch co-op excitement. Getting together 3 other friends and racing around a track, with physics and controls this tight, is thoroughly enjoyable. While the art may be a miss, and some further explanation of the game would definitely help, this is a game that is definitely meant to be explored with other players. Get a group together, and get ready to take off, because SpeedRunners is doing anything but slowing down.
While navigating can be frustrating, and there's not a lot of variety in terms of missions, this is a great example of how to engage the player. The dialogue is charming, there are lots of side quests, and the story is very engrossing. Do yourself a favour and overlook the few flaws, for this great adventure far exceeds the issues it has.
Chime Sharp is a powerful example of giving the player all the power they need to succeed. While at first it may seem a bit aimless, once you get a good grasp on what you're doing, it's genuinely exciting. With unlockable game modes for each track, and a great soundtrack, Chime Sharp is a casual game that should satiate any puzzle fan.
Typoman: Revised is pretty close to greatness. A genuinely original idea, a breathing world, and a good flow get caught up by awkward movement and the occasional feeling of being detached. Still, pretty close to greatness is something to brag about. Make no mistake, Typoman: Revised is something the development team should definitely be bragging about.
It may seem indecisive to say that this game is not going to be for everyone, as that's pretty much a given with any title. Binaries is distinct in that it's one of the rare titles that is incredibly fun, but a little commitment will be needed to find it. To the unexposed eye, it's just another hard puzzle-platformer. Scoop that dirt away, dig deep enough, and Binaries is an absolutely brilliant title that manages to be both enticing and rewarding.
Players looking for a wholly original experience will not find it here. Syndrome doesn't do much to hide its influences. However, anyone that wants an excellent example of level design, some really scary enemies, and tension building, this should be a must-have. A few minor flaws aside, Syndrome is as much a love letter to the retro classics as it is to the modern ones. As for those modern titles, it can stand tall next to them as a survival horror juggernaut.
Spiritsphere is incredibly fun when it focuses on its competitive nature. It doesn't really feel very exciting when it tries to be a solo experience, but it does manage to be a breath of fresh air in local competitive e-sports. Perhaps with an online component, it could become a sports and Zelda fan's dream title. Until then, though, it's still a whole lot fun in a somewhat unconventional package.
Knee Deep is just as flawed as the souls who traverse its story. The important thing to remember, though, is that it's worth it. The story is original, the gameplay is exciting for how simple it is, and moments rarely feel dull or meaningless. Its wrinkles don't detract from the game enough to keep it from being an absolute must-have for any adventure fan. Hopefully, it'll get the attention it deserves.
Specter of Torment feels like a new mode more than a sequel or an expansion, and it benefits from this. With a new story, completely new move set, and a much darker tone, it's a must-play for fans of the original release. Make sure to grab a controller, because the keyboard isn't ideal for everything Specter Knight is capable of. Congratulations, Specter Knight; you're too good for a keyboard.
Sine Mora EX is a lot of fun, with the occasional eye roll-inducing moment. Perhaps it's the weird story, or the irritating environmental hazards, but something is ever so slightly off here. As a whole, though, this is one of the best shooters on the market. Everyone should pick it up, unless, of course, you're not "one-eyed-bison-with-no-legs-flying-a-killing-machine" enough for it.
It's going to be an exciting season if The Enigma is anything to go off of. While some of the characters aren't as interesting, the story is going in a really exciting direction. Thanks to the reworked technical side, this is one of the most fluid and enticing Telltale titles to date. Hopefully, the rest of the season measures up as well as this episode has.
Despite some irritating writing, and some difficulty balancing issues, Cat Quest is an amazing RPG. It takes the best features of other RPGs, and distils them down into a simple cocktail of fun mechanics and memorable moments. This should do good to scratch an itch for those who have never played a game like it, and those who swear by them. In short, this is a solid title, with few issues really holding it back.
Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is a tremendously good story bogged down by minor technical issues and some occasionally obnoxious design choices. With two more books, though, this is one fans of historical fiction or adventure games simply cannot pass up. Even with the minor issues, it's one of the best point and click adventures to come out in quite some time.
Batman: The Enemy Within: The Pact is Telltale at its best. A fluid, competent, charming story, mixed with smart integration of QTEs and action sequences, will leave the audience chomping at the bit for more. There are some moments that don't feel quite as tight, and will remind you that, yes, this is a game. Those moments don't detract from the fact that this is such a solid instalment that it may be some of Telltale's best work.
Antiquia Lost is so good, its shortcomings feel like minor annoyances. While it doesn't do anything that will reinvent the genre, it does do everything it does very well. It always feels fluid, and never tedious. The best way to summarize it: this is one of the best retro-inspired RPGs to come out in a long time.