Shame Legacy is unfortunately just that. A shame. It is a shame that a game with so much potential was only a two to three hour experience that was ultimately let down. The sound design created a lot of tension and the opening is very effective in demonstrating the potential for an amazing survival horror experience. While some of the game play is frustrating there is definitely the seeds of a great game hidden beneath.
It’s safe to say Don’t Nod haven’t lost their ability to make an audience cry. Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a beautifully paced, amazingly acted, gorgeous game. There is enough replayability with the multiple endings to make it a lengthy and fun experience. The stunning artwork is wonderful to behold, and the game certainly has a powerful message about large corporations and the sanctity of one’s home.
Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow is a wonderful sidescroller that shows great potential from a clearly passionate and skilled new developer. While there are some teething problems with the 3D elements of the game and some object collision issues that can make puzzles frustrating, the game definitely demonstrates what it does right far more than what it does wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing and can’t wait to see what Frozen Line will be up to next. Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow comes out on June 14th and it well worth checking out.
After Us is a very strong title that is visually beautiful with an amazing atmosphere created by the coordination of each element of the game put together. While some platform elements can be a little frustrating, the combat is a very fun part of the game that allows the size of the playable character to enhance the creepier aspects of the game.
Layers of Fear is a very fun experience for fans of the survival horror genre. It is also an improvement from either of the two original games and the DLCs. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t quite live up to other remakes of late such as Resident Evil 4 Remake or Dead Space. Although, the addition of an entirely new story is a welcome one in the story. If you have never played the originals this version of the game is the version you should pick up. It is graphically fantastic and the combat adds a welcome change to the gameplay.
Remnant II is a fantastic sequel to the original game and offers a varied and exciting world for the player to explore. The gameplay is interesting and the role-play elements are amazingly diverse, meaning every playthrough can feel like a unique and new experience. The combat is kept simple, with the weapons being standard for modern action games. This does not make them boring; however, the excitement comes from the various enemies and Archetypes spicing up the gameplay. The enemies are scaled well as the game progresses and upgrading was a joy, never a chore.
Lunacy: Saint Rhodes is far from an unenjoyable game, and if you can see past the inconsistencies in the sound effects and are willing to go through some moments of frustrating or boring gameplay, the surrounding elements are very good. The story is well told, and a lot of the gameplay elements can be extremely fun. I was particularly fond of the inclusion of the glasses and their need to be cleaned at various moments of the game. I felt it added a unique element and proved the creativity of the development team behind Lunacy: Saint Rhodes.
Unholy’s ending is yet another disappointment. The plot is simple, with a predictable ending in terms of story. The characters aren’t really likable enough to feel a sense of great sadness at any of their fates, and the whole ending section of the game is beyond disappointing. Not because, as it would be safe to assume, the combat is too weak to handle an end-game boss, but instead because the whole of the ending of the game is one uninterruptible cutscene with no input from the player.
The gameplay of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is well-varied, exciting, and certainly full of horror. It is a fantastic addition to the asymmetrical horror genre and allows for a very fun experience. The only worry when it comes to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is the longevity of the live service experience. Unlike DbD, a very similar game, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is locked within one IP, potentially meaning there isn’t a great deal of room for expansion. Despite this, the game has a lot of entertainment value and is well worth playing for some very tense online gaming.
Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The London Case is a fun addition to the murder mystery genre and plays true to the source material with plenty of parlour room scenes that the player helps create. The gameplay is varied, with many interesting choices that add to the immersion. Linking clues and finding physical evidence are all done well and interact with each other in a way that proves the attention that went into these elements of the game.
Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is a vast improvement on the original; there is no doubt about that at all. There are still many aspects of the game that are lacking, however, which can be hard to see past. The gameplay varies in quality, with much of the exploration and gunplay being on the dull side, but the Frost Grip adding some unique and exciting elements to it—ultimately, the biggest sin of Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is in its lack of scares.
SUPER BOMBERMAN R 2 is a very fun addition to the Bomberman series, an already very successful and fun series that appears to be getting better with age. While the addition of crossplay can make some matches feel a little unbalanced, and some of the CPU characters are far too easy to beat, the game is a very fun party experience and should always be played with friends if the chance arises.
Easy to pick up, impossible to put down is the best way to describe Pizza Possum. Every element feels designed to keep you playing. The soundtrack is fun, and the excitement drawn for it keeps the player engaged as they try to beat their own score. If you are after a new classic feeling arcade game, then the simple controls with the fun power-ups and exciting chases are definitely the way to go. On top of all of this, the co-op is fantastic, adding hilarity at every corner. And never forget, screaming and giggling as a crazed possum is always a fun way to enjoy a game.
Agatha Christie - Murder on the Orient Express has an excellent mystery to be solved. The story is quirky and fun, with many gameplay elements that support this. There are some bits that need a little polish and some moments that bring any momentum to a grinding halt. There is enough fun between these moments to justify playing the game in its full and collecting all the golden moustaches is definitely an added bonus to this charming little mystery thriller.
This Bed We Made tells an amazing story with simple yet fun gameplay mechanics to frame it. The puzzles add a challenge that isn't frustrating and instead is one of the most interesting and fun parts of the game. The characters feel fleshed out and real, as though they are real people with extended backstories. The graphics are not perfect; however, they are serviceable for what is needed, and the sound design is fantastic in every way.
The Invincible is fantastic. If you like a walking sim, then this is the one to go for. Beyond this, the conversations are full of heart, the environment is a thing of beauty, and the choices made have a real, forceful impact on the story. Starward was clearly working on a project of passion, with a level of detail rivalling that of most triple-A titles. The sound and art design leaves nothing to be desired, and the writing is truly masterful and the multiple ends make for an experience you will want to play over and over again. If you want to be a part of a fantastic story, then The Invincible should be at the top of your wishlist.
Along with a whole new section of gameplay that will add variety and interest to the overall experience, the story is in keeping with the rest of the content in Remnant II. The visuals keep to the same stunning standard as the rest of the game and add the necessary flare to keep players interested. Gunfire Game had a winner on their hands with Remnant II and used Remnant 2 – The Awakened King to continue to grow the amazing world they have created.
Heads Up! Phones Down Edition had all the potential to be the next big thing in party games. The mobile version meant, going into the game, most knew roughly what they were getting. Unfortunately, they knew exactly what they were getting as this was just a port with a $40 price tag slapped on the front.
Cookie Cutter is a fantastic game with excellent RPG elements, fighting mechanics that are a healthy mix of fun and challenging, and an artistic style that adds dimension and character to an already very well-made world. The sound does nothing but add to the equation, and the heart that is put into Cookie Cutter is immensely impressive.
Lil’ Guardsman is a fantastic, fun story with a whimsical tone that allows the voice acting and art direction to shine in the fully developed world that has been created. The gameplay is polished, although there is a little confusion about how certain characters should be questioned. If you are a fan of characters full of life and fun, a story with choices that have lasting effects, and a fascinating cast of characters, then Lil’ Guardsman is undoubtedly a game for you.