Cloud Chamber

Cloud Chamber

Cloud Chamber is more of an experience than a game in the traditional sense, but this doesn’t make it any less compelling. The story might be fictional, but includes plenty of references to real science which makes for fascinating viewing depending on how keen you are on the subject. Due to the massively multiplayer aspect of the game your experience will depend on the other players, but even if you opt not to take part in the discussions you can still enjoy the story on your own.

Gameplay: No gameplay in the traditional sense, but still plenty to see and discuss with other players.

Graphics: The videos are believable and the 3D landscapes quite impressive.

Sound: Good acting and a brilliant soundtrack help immerse you in the experience

Back To Bed

Back To Bed

The interesting visuals and surreal atmosphere of Back to Bed are highlights, but the gameplay is also quite addictive. It is not as challenging as some other titles in the genre, but there is some added longevity in the form of a “Nightmare” mode. The puzzle-solving is relatively straightforward despite the odd landscapes, but overall, the game is very enjoyable and well worth the meager asking price.

Gameplay: Back to Bed features some nice brainteasers, but the timed elements can be frustrating.

Graphics: The visuals in Back to Bed are surrealistic, to say the least.

Sound: The music and sound effects fit the dreamlike atmosphere of the game perfectly

The Room

The Room

Don’t let the fact that The Room was originally an iOS title scare you away from this excellent puzzle adventure. The developers have gone the extra mile to enhance the visuals and tighten the controls for this PC release, all while keeping the price very reasonable. The game looks and sounds fantastic, and it is only the short time it takes to complete, holding it back from a better score. Still, there is minimal padding here, and the game offers a compelling experience from start to finish.

Gameplay: The Room features engrossing puzzle-solving from start to finish.

Graphics: The visuals in the game are superbly detailed.

Sound: The audio in The Room is atmospheric and fitting

Unrest

Unrest

If you value interesting dialogue and moral choices more than loot gathering and monster slaying then you will enjoy Unrest. The game dares to do things a bit differently and for the most it works quite well. The lack of puzzles or any real combat means that the pace of the game is very slow, but just like a good book you will want to know what is going to happen next once you are hooked.

Gameplay: The focus is very much on the story, so action junkies might become bored of all the reading.

Graphics: The hand-painted visuals give the game an unique look.

Sound: Outstanding tunes, but no speech

Super Comboman

Super Comboman

Super Comboman contains some great ideas, but is let down by less than stellar gameplay. Games such as Guacamelee! and Aces Wild have already demonstrated how great titles in the platform brawling genre can be, but Super Comboman doesn’t quite live up to expectations. The controls are the biggest source of frustration and the steep difficulty curve also feels more like a punishment than a challenge.

Gameplay: Lots of potential, but let down by frustrating controls and a steep difficulty curve.
Graphics: The sticker style visuals is an interesting and unique choice.
Sound: Not bad, but a little repetitive

The Nightmare Cooperative

The Nightmare Cooperative

A sixteen level rogue-like with small, screen sized levels might not sound like much, but The Nightmare Cooperative might just surprise you. There is a large selection of characters and controlling them all at the same time is certainly a unique, not to mention challenging experience. Learning how to play the game is a breeze, but truly mastering it will keep you busy for quite some time.

Gameplay: Simple to play, but requires more strategy than you might think.

Graphics: The vector art style is very distinctive.

Sound: The tunes are not exactly catchy, but very fitting

Toast Time

Toast Time

It would be easy to dismiss Toast Time based purely on the simple visuals, but doing so would rob you of quite an addictive and challenging experience. Using a toaster to battle interdimensional enemies that are intent on destroying your alarm clock is just as goofy as it sounds, but this doesn’t stop the game from being a lot of fun.

Gameplay: Definitely captures the “just one more go” spirit of the simple arcade games from yesteryear.

Graphics: Very simple, but quite charming, especially with all the ways to customize TERRY.

Sound: Each level has its own catchy tune

Commando Jack

Commando Jack

There is a lot to like about Commando Jack, but the fact that it is a straight mobile port without any enhancements does mean it will be overlooked by some players. The gameplay still shines though and there is a very enjoyable campaign to complete. The game might be free on mobile devices, but in this PC version you have everything at your disposal without any in-app purchases required. If you value gameplay over visuals and enjoy the genre give Commando Jack a shot.

Gameplay: Straightforward tower defence gameplay with the ability to fight back in first person as well.

Graphics: Clearly a mobile port, but not without charm.

Sound: Catchy tunes that complement the action

WazHack

WazHack

Wazhack is a game that kept us busy for hours, most of which was spent dying and retrying. It is a very difficult game, but with a good strategy and plenty of luck you will get far. The permanent death ensures that you stay on your toes at all times, and the procedural levels ensure plenty of replay value. There is also a wealth of characters to choose from, each with their own unique skills and weaknesses.

Gameplay: A strategic dungeon crawler, that is tough as nails, but very rewarding.

Graphics: The rendered backgrounds and 3D character models make for an interesting mix.

Sound: Subtle enough that you can play the game for hours without the music becoming annoying

Supreme League of Patriots (No Bull Intentions)

Supreme League of Patriots (No Bull Intentions)

When you get a press release asking if you want to meet the most offensive video game character, it is hard not to sit up and take notice. The character in questions is Kyle Keever, or more accurately, his super-hero alter ego The Purple Patriot and the game is Supreme League of Patriots by No Bull Intentions