David Sanchez
Blood Alloy: Reborn could have been something special, but it's a clear victim of limited funding and hurried development.
Mighty No. 9 is a forgettable attempt at cashing in on people's nostalgia and love of Mega Man.
If you're looking for a high-speed shoot-a-thon, you won't get that with Dead Star.
In the four hours it took me to get through Gryphon Knight Epic, all I could think about was how I wanted it to end so I could move on and play something better.
You'll have fun playing Psychocat: The Answer until you realize that it's a mobile game on the PC, then you'll wish you had it on your iOS or Android device instead.
Skully is an attractive 3D platformer, but that's all it is. The gameplay is hit-or-miss and is severely hampered by poor controls. On top of that, the story is cliché and predictable, and none of the characters — not even the ones you're supposed to root for — are very likable. It's disappointing, but even if you're looking for a throwback to old school 3D platformers, Skully is a hard pass.
Perhaps if Whiskey Jack Games can add more quests and clean up the performance issues, Crudelis might be a solid title. As it stands right after launch, however, it's hard to recommend.
Vane is a unique, almost-therapeutic experience with a magical world to explore. Unfortunately, the controls are pretty awful. If you can deal with that major issue, though, you'll find a somewhat worthwhile adventure.
Corpse of Discovery could've been a worthwhile narrative experience had it not been ruined by its massive performance issues and obnoxious platforming gameplay.
Rain World will probably establish a cult following, which is great because it deserves a fan base for its thoughtful ideas. Unfortunately, too many factors get in the way of what very well could've been one of 2017's most interesting indies.
Like so many other titles created using RPG Maker, Apocalypse Hotel is held down by the tools used to develop it. It's kind of fun, but only in short sessions.
Back to Bed on the PlayStation Network is a competent albeit unremarkable puzzler that's over before it can get satisfying. Great art and a decent bonus mode at least help to make the experience somewhat enjoyable, though the hefty $20 price is hardly worth paying when you can get it for much less elsewhere.
Dystoria is one of those games that you just know may go on to achieve cult status. It's certainly not without merit, but it stumbles a bit in its execution of an otherwise promising concept. If we ever get a sequel — and I hope we do — that game could be something truly special.
River City: Knights of Justice is a fun little side story in the Kunio-kun series. It's not exactly varied, but it features a satisfying challenge and familiar beat 'em up mechanics that fans are sure to love.
Ultimately, strategy and RPG aficionados may find Squids Odyssey a bit too simple, but if you go into it with the mindset that this is just a fun, jolly little game, you're bound to have a genuinely good time with it.
Super Meat Boy Forever is a fun little distraction. Though it fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessor, it's entertaining for a few playthroughs. If you loved Super Meat Boy, you might just get a kick out of Forever… or you may not.
Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary World Tour doesn't enhance the titular protagonist's classic FPS ride in any massive ways. That said, it's a whole lot of fun, and it's perfect for people who want to revisit the game and for those who are fans of old school shooters.
Part of the appeal of Furi is mastering its many difficult boss battles. If you're going to do that, be prepared to experience large amounts of frustration. You'll ultimately walk away with a feeling of accomplishment, though, especially if you refrain from switching to the easy difficulty setting.
You have to commend Severed for using the Vita's touchscreen heavily for its gameplay. And while that use of the system works and is mostly enjoyable, it's not always entertaining.
World's Dawn doesn't reinvent the wheel for farming simulators, but it really doesn't have to. It's a fun, relaxing game for people seeking exactly that.