Rage Runner

Rage Runner

Rage Runner is quite a challenging title and, as the name implies, it can be frustrating at times. Having to weave your way through obstacles at high speeds while changing the orientation of your craft takes some practice and completing all nine of the levels is quite an achievement. If you are looking for a 3D runner that will really test your skills you should try Rage Runner.

Gameplay: Quick reflexes and some trial-and-error is required, but overall this is an addictive and challenging title.

Graphics: Good, but not too distracting.

Sound: Depends on whether you like dubstep or not

Project Temporality

Project Temporality

Although the time manipulation elements have been seen in other games before, Project Temporality manages to impress with clever puzzles and rewarding gameplay. There is also a deeper story lurking behind all the puzzle solving for players interested enough to delve deeper. The game challenges you to carefully plan ahead, but because you can simply rewind time to rectify mistakes it rarely becomes frustrating.

Gameplay: Challenges you to think in four dimensions and rely on yourself to solve co-op based puzzles.

Graphics: Somewhat lacking in visual variety, but the overall design and lighting effects are excellent.

Sound: No voice acting, but some very nice music tracks

Ten Questions With… Friso (Critical Bit)

Ten Questions With… Friso (Critical Bit)

Critical Bit recently released their unique take on the shoot ‘em up genre, Reign of Bullets. The game features tons of epic loot as well as the ability to bolt heaps of guns to your ship. The result is an addictive, but also surprisingly accessible shooter. To find out more about Reign of Bullets we caught up with the co-founder of Critical Bit

Mystic Destinies: Serendipity of Aeons By Star Maiden Games

Mystic Destinies: Serendipity of Aeons By Star Maiden Games

We’ve noticed a lot of otome visual novels popping up lately and, judging by the speed at which Mystic Destinies is getting funded on Kickstarter, there is definitely a demand for more. This urban fantasy otome visual novel focusses on the tale of a college girl who finds out that she isn’t quite as ordinary as she thought. The game is being developed by Star Maiden Games, a new start-up visual novel company who aim to make their mark on the genre with high quality, compelling titles. The team also have their sights on busting the usual genre tropes, which should be interesting

NaissanceE

NaissanceE

NaissanceE is not a game for players that want to know exactly what is going on at all times. Instead of offering any explanations the game simply drops you into a surreal and intimidating gameworld that thrives on your confusion. The result is an experience quite unlike anything else and one that will stay with you long after the journey is complete.

Gameplay: First person exploration with a dash of puzzle solving and platforming.

Graphics: Beautiful and imposing in equal measures.

Sound: Atmospheric audio that greatly enhances the whole experience

Lumini

Lumini

Lumini isn’t the longest or most challenging game on the market, but it features relaxing gameplay, charming visuals, and a very soothing soundtrack. This flow-based adventure is a joy to play and is accessible enough that anyone can have fun with it. It also features an unlockable “Hard” mode for players who want a challenge instead of a relaxing experience.

Gameplay: Accessible controls and relaxing gameplay make Lumini an absolute joy to play.

Graphics: The visuals look superb, and each area has lots of detail.

Sound: The soothing soundtrack is an excellent match for the unique gameplay

MURI

MURI

If you remember the classic DOS-era platformers such as Duke Nukem, Commander Keen, and Bio Menace, then you will love Muri. Everything from the visuals and sound to the frame rate is an homage to these early titles. It is rare to see a title embrace these kinds of limitations so faithfully and still manage to deliver an entertaining experience, so if you are nostalgic about that era, Muri is worth checking out.

Gameplay: Muri perfectly captures the run-and-gun platforming feel of a DOS-era title.

Graphics: The visuals consist of 16-color EGA at its best.

Sound: The game faithfully recreates the PC speaker sounds

Little Inferno

Little Inferno

While Little Inferno is not a game in the strictest sense of the word, it does provide a very interesting experience. There isn’t much of a challenge beyond finding the correct combination of things to burn, but the eerie story and polished visuals might just suck you in. Perfect for those cold winter evenings.

Gameplay: Simple but strangely relaxing.

Graphics: Stylish and polished.

Sound: Very eerie

KAMI

KAMI

KAMI is a puzzle game that challenges your brain and not your reflexes, making it quite relaxing to play. The visual design is very nice with realistic looking paper textures, but the game isn’t lacking in the gameplay department either. The 63 puzzles can be completed in a day or two, but the lower price point make it a worthwhile purchase if you are a puzzle fan looking for a fresh challenge.

Gameplay: Challenging without becoming too frustrating.

Graphics: The handcrafted look of the visuals is very easy on the eyes.

Sound: Sparse, but very relaxing

Journal

Journal

Journal is an enjoyable experience as long as you don’t expect too much from it. There are no puzzles or interaction, but the storyline was engrossing enough to keep me hooked to the end. While Journal is quite a short experience it does cover a lot of topics not usually found in a game. It is hard to recommend this title to players looking for a traditional game, but personally I found it to be thought provoking.

Gameplay: Very little interaction beyond talking to people.

Graphics: The hand painted visuals fit the style and the story of the game.

Sound: The soundtrack is pretty moving and the voice acting decent