Tyler Treese
Kalimba - in a lot of ways - is a throwback of sorts. It can be completed in a few short sittings, has an unrelenting difficulty level and features wonderful 2D art. However, the game also manages to put players in gaming situations they have never been in before. It's a surprisingly fresh experience that can be incredibly rewarding and despite it being seemingly impossible at times, players who love a sizable - but fair - challenge will find a lot to love within Kalimba.
There is a lot to like about Minutes and its most egregious flaw is that it ends so soon. Thankfully, due to daily challenges and multiple goals in each level, Minutes has a lot of replay value that helps the game justify its price-point. Red Phantom Games has managed to put an interesting spin on a genre that has fallen in popularity. While it may not be the title to bring bullet hell shooters back to prominence, it has delivered enough interesting ideas to be worth the time to anyone looking for a pick-up and play title.
When Evolve is at its best, it is one of the greatest co-op experiences ever crafted. Few games require so much teamwork and are as satisfying when everything falls into place. Conversely, it can be a complete mess when played with hunters that are incompetent or not playing their position. If you have a group of friends that are willing to put in both the financial and time commitment for Evolve then there is no reason not to buy it. Otherwise your mileage will vary.
If you're a fan of absurd humor, fast-paced challenging gameplay and seeing Eric Pope in a farmer outfit, then Roundabout should be the next game you purchase. It may aim to feel like a B-movie, but Roundabout is a blockbuster in terms of fun.
This is certainly not Rebellion Developments' best effort as they have proven in the past that they can release a quality product. Zombie Army Trilogy may only be a patch or two away from being a decent co-op affair, but in its current state it is a mess of a game. With the increasingly busy release schedule, there is no shortage of high quality games tugging away at your wallet — Zombie Army Trilogy is not one of these.
Shiftlings is a game that will frustrate many people, but ultimately it's one that's worth playing through. Due to the focus being on just a few simple mechanics, puzzles that at first seem impossible can often have a simple solution. These moments of brilliance are what keep Shiftlings a compelling experience and one that continues to test your wit until the very end.
Ultimately, LA Cops is a decent, short run through a cop-themed shooter that doesn't do enough to really impress.
Ultimately, Rack N Ruin is a good game that easily could have been great with a few tweaks. Strangely, the game hides a lot of its enjoyment away from the player by not telling the player what to do next. While it can be an extremely frustrating experience at times, there are enough satisfying moments to recommend the game despite these issues. So, if you're willing to dig into it, give Rack N Ruin a spin since there is a good game there, just hidden.
Whether you want to play a platformer that will make you think or just want to experience a piece of gaming history, New 'n' Tasty should satisfy your cravings.
Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones is not only one of the best stealth games ever made, it is up there with the best platformers. Everything good from the original game has been improved upon and polished while its flaws have been fixed. Stealth Inc 2 is what other developers should look at when developing a sequel: it is one that makes the previous game obsolete. Curve Digital has developed a near perfect game that should be experienced by all gamers.
Ultimately, Goat Simulator is a hilarious mess that is worth experiencing for a few hours, just one you probably shouldn't buy.
Lifeless Planet isn't a bad game, far from it, in fact, but it seems to slightly miss the mark in everything it tries to do. Whether this was due to the title being overly ambitious, or just needing a little more time to bake in the oven, we'll never know. That being said, the game offers a lot of memorable moments throughout its several hour journey. Even if it may be flawed, Lifeless Planet is a game that wanted to do something different and that desire should be celebrated.
If you are willing to overlook some repetitive backtracking, then you'll be rewarded with a hilarious puzzle platformer that manages to be a memorable experience.
Few games fully realize their potential. Thankfully The Swapper is able to execute all of its ideas. The challenging and thought-provoking puzzles are only outdone by the rich narrative which will stay in your mind well after the credits roll. The Swapper is a masterpiece that needs to be experienced.
Pieces Interactive has done a very good job in continuing the Magicka series. While there have been some growing pains, Magicka 2 still manages to be an extraordinary cooperative game when played with the right people. If you have a group of friends that are tired of playing Borderlands and Helldivers, then make sure you give Magicka 2 a spin.
Despite Spy Chameleon being developer Unfinished Pixel's first game, the Barcelona-based studio has done a great job at simplifying a genre that can be daunting to newcomers. While some may be worried that this simplicity comes at a cost, the game also offers up a healthy challenge to experienced players. It may never reach the high points of a Metal Gear Solid or Thief game, but it does provide a constant helping of highly polished fun.
While it will only take you a few hours to beat SteamWorld Dig, it's a game that makes every moment count. There is no filler, only excellent content to be experienced. Whether it is a player's first or sixth time playing through SteamWorld Dig, they are in for an absolute treat. This is one platform game that should not be missed.
Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition is the best way to experience an already great game. With new characters, additional difficulty options, and fan-service galore, there's no reason not to pick up this package if you're a fan of Devil May Cry. While the remaster may not fix all of the flaws of the original game, it does manage to breathe new life into one of Capcom's most beloved series.
Payday 2: Crimewave Edition is an embarrassing, broken release that should be avoided by consumers and is a black eye on the current state of video game publishing.
Simply put, Rocket League is one of the best titles on PlayStation 4. It manages to flawlessly blend fast-paced racing with a sport that is familiar to millions. The depth is there to keep players coming back for years to come, and Psyonix has done a masterful job in creating one of the best multiplayer experiences yet.