How to Take Off Your Mask

How to Take Off Your Mask

How To Take Off Your Mask is an otome game with a cast of likeable characters, an interesting scenario and plenty of humorous moments. It also features a couple of choices that branches the storyline, which along with the Steam Achievements, adds to the replay value. The writing is also good enough to draw in players who are not normally into otome titles, but check out the free demo first to see what the game has to offer.

Gameplay: Fairly linear, but well written and with a branching storyline.

Graphics: The game features charming visuals with plenty of detail for each character.

Sound: The soundtrack is great and the game also features full Japanese voice acting

NEKOPARA Vol. 0

NEKOPARA Vol. 0

Since Nekopara Vol. 0 is a fandisc, it is much shorter than Vol. 1. Instead of a big story or any startling revelations it also just focusses on a single day in the lives of the catgirls of the Minaduki household. The writing is entertaining, and the visuals top notch, but anyone not already swayed by the charms of Nekopara Vol. 1 will probably wonder what the fuss is all about.

Gameplay: Still a kinetic visual novel, but now with the option to pet the girls.

Graphics: Another great demonstration of the E-mote system in action.

Sound: Once again the quality of the voice acting is very good

Enemy Mind

Enemy Mind

Enemy Mind makes good use of the ship changing feature to offer an experience that is not only challenging, but extremely addictive. There is a lot more strategy involved than your typical side scrolling shooter and the local co-op mode makes it even more fun. Rounding off the package is some nice retro style visuals and a brilliant soundtrack. Depending on your skill with shooters, this game will keep you busy for a while and packs some nice bonuses to boost the replay value.

Gameplay: The ability to take control of any enemy ship complements the old school gameplay nicely.

Graphics: The visuals are a nice homage to the 8bit era.

Sound: Great sound effects and an awesome soundtrack by Rainbow Kitten

Drakensang: The Dark Eye

Drakensang: The Dark Eye

Drakensang is one of those games that harkens back to the days of hardcore role playing with a party of characters and an epic quest. While it is great to see something like this in an age where dumbed down console ports are becoming the norm on PC it does require a considerable investment in time and patience from players. A good game, albeit somewhat generic.

Gameplay: Definitely aimed at hardcore role playing fans.

Graphics: Treads a fine line between colorful and realistic.

Sound: The music is OK, but overall audio is average

Continue?9876543210

Continue?9876543210

I didn’t quite know what to expect from Continue but I certainly enjoyed the experience. The game might seem a little pretentious, but it handles mature themes in an interesting manner and managed to keep me hooked right to the bitter end. It is not often that a game challenges players to confront their own mortality, but I think Continue has pulled it off admirably.

Gameplay: A game that challenges you to think instead of just testing your reflexes.

Graphics: Moody and atmospheric in a retro kind of way.

Sound: A brilliant soundtrack with good sound effects

Leap of Fate (Clever Plays)

Leap of Fate (Clever Plays)

Leap of Faith, the debut release of indie studio clever-plays, certainly isn’t lacking in ambition. With influences that range from The Binding of Isaac and League of Legends to Diablo, it is a game that aims to offer replayability, precise controls and feel-good combat. These are lofty goals, but despite the fact that the game is still in Early Access, it already looks like the developers will be able to deliver on these promises

Battle Group 2

Battle Group 2

Although you don’t have direct control over your battleship, blasting enemy ships and aircraft is still an addictive experience. There are multiple battleships and support ships to unlock, as well as upgrades, which, along with the ratings for each level, gives the game plenty of replay value. A bit of grinding is involved to purchase the best equipment, but the game remains fun throughout.

Gameplay: The game is an action-packed experience despite the simple controls.

Graphics: Battle Group 2 features detailed ship and aircraft designs but somewhat bland backgrounds.

Sound: Players can expect decent voice acting and a very fitting soundtrack

Marble Muse

Marble Muse

Marble Muse is a deceptively simple-looking game, but thanks to the challenging controls and excellent level layouts, it is actually quite addictive. It might only feature 24 levels, but the additional challenges and secrets definitely boost the replay value. Players looking for something casual but with a bit of a challenge shouldn’t miss out on this game.

Gameplay: The game features well-designed boards and addictive gameplay.

Graphics: Although not stellar, the visuals look decent enough.

Sound: The upbeat audio is a good match for the gameplay

A-Men

A-Men

It will take a while to conquer the 40 levels of platform puzzles in A-Men, but it is worth it if you are up for a challenge. The gameplay feels like something out of the 16bit era, but with a nice coat of modern paint. While some players might relish the challenge, it is also bound to frustrate those blessed with less patience.

Gameplay: This is not a bad choice if you are in the mood for a challenging puzzle platformer.

Graphics: Old-school 2D visuals with a unique style.

Sound: The music isn’t too bad, but the voice acting can be a bit hit or miss

Eye Of The Beholder 2: The Legend Of Darkmoon

Eye Of The Beholder 2: The Legend Of Darkmoon

While at fist glance EOB2 might just seem like more of the original quite a few features have been added which makes this game more entertaining and more involving. As always though it’s hellishly though and you’ll need quick reflexes and plenty of brainpower to crack this one.

Gameplay: Immensly frusrating at times but very addictive and rewarding.

Graphics: Good but not that much better than part one.

Sound: Still not much in the way of music but the sound effects are ok