Portal 2

Portal 2

Portal 2 proves that sequels doesn’t have to be lazy cash-ins on the original games success. Everything in this game has been expanded and made better in some way and playing it is a blast. The humor and dialogue are spot on and the puzzles, while not too complicated for veteran players, still have a few head scratching moments.

Gameplay: More story, more puzzles, more of everything.

Graphics: A vast improvement over the original.

Sound: Outstanding voice acting all round

Go Home Dinosaurs!

Go Home Dinosaurs!

If you like Plants Vs Zombies then you will have a blast with Go Home Dinosaurs! There is a nice selection of units and levels are quite frantic. The sixty levels will fly by in the blink of an eye but achieving three steaks on each level provides some long term challenge.

Gameplay: Simple but very entertaining and addictive.

Graphics: While not spectacular the art style is very nice.

Sound: Good

Extreme Air Racing Becomes Even More Social With Latest Multiplayer Updates To Altitude0

Extreme Air Racing Becomes Even More Social With Latest Multiplayer Updates To Altitude0

Altitude0: Lower & Faster is a racing game with an aerial twist. Instead of confining players to the road this racer allows players to take to the skies. Don’t expect tranquil flights in the wild blue yonder though as races are kept low, fast and very risky. Going lower means more speed, but with a plethora of threatening obstacles this is easier said than done. While most people have been taking a well-earned break over the holiday season, Gugila, the indie developer behind this Early Access title has been hard at work updating the game with some new multiplayer focused features

Montague’s Mount

Montague’s Mount

Montague’s Mount is a game that left me with mixed feelings. I can appreciate what the developer has attempted here and the game has a wonderful atmosphere but it is definitely not going to appeal to everyone. There are lots of small issues that detract from the overall experience but I still found the game to be engaging and thought provoking.

Gameplay: The slow pace and slightly obscure puzzles makes this a niche title.

Graphics: The art direction fits the theme but make it hard to spot small stuff.

Sound: Excellent voice acting and absolutely brilliant music

Test Drive Unlimited 2

Test Drive Unlimited 2

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is one of those games that start off great but the longer you play it the more the faults become apparent. There are plenty of challenges and races but in the end you are just repeating the same things over and over. The online aspect is nice and overall the game is good but it is certainly not going to appeal to everyone.

Gameplay: A huge gameworld with plenty to see and do but very repetitive.

Graphics: Lots of rough edges but the scale is admirable.

Sound: Terrible radio stations and annoying voice overs

Bioshock 2

Bioshock 2

A great sequel that makes a lot of improvements over the original but at times feels too much like an expansion pack rather than a full fledged title. It is still a blast to play and has some great insights into the world of Rapture but don’t expect the plot to be as mind blowing as the first. Things really pick up towards the end so stick with it.

Gameplay: All the tweaks and improvements you could ask for.

Graphics: Very nice but its clear to see that the PC version is being held back by the games console roots.

Sound: Atmospheric and moody

Dead Hungry Diner

Dead Hungry Diner

As far as casual games go, Dead Hungry Diner is one of the most polished and playable examples of the genre. The game provides a solid challenge without frustrating players and the addictive gameplay will have you chasing a three star rating on every level.

Gameplay: Frantic and very addictive.

Graphics: Detailed and polished.

Sound: Can sound chaotic at times but overall very good

Deadpool

Deadpool

Fans of Deadpool will have a blast with this game but the humour should appeal to newcomers as well. High Moon Studios have captured the character perfectly although the gameplay can feel a bit clunky at times. While not without its flaws I had a blast playing this game and can recommend it to all fans of the merc with a mouth.

Gameplay: Packed with action and humour.

Graphics: Not the best I’ve seen but it does the license justice.

Sound: Superb voice acting by Nolan North coupled with a rocking soundtrack

Verdun Players Can Now Take Part In A Christmas Truce

Verdun Players Can Now Take Part In A Christmas Truce

Throwing snowballs at other players or playing football matches are not things that are associated with realistic First World War games, but that is exactly what is happening in Verdun. The developers of this first person shooter have added a brand new dedicated winter map to the game where players can engage in these activities and more. Even more amazing is the fact that it is historically accurate as French, German and British troops actually held a truce during Christmas!

Penumbra Overture

Penumbra Overture

Penumbra: Overture is an admirable attempt at something new and makes for a nice break from all the running and gunning in first person perspective games. There’s plenty of logical puzzles to work your way through and a hair raising story that will have you hooked right to the end. The graphics are not exactly cutting edge and it’s not as scary as it tries to be but overall it’s a good game.

Gameplay: Best experienced late at night with the sound up and the lights off.

Graphics: Brown, lots and lots of brown.

Sound: Pretty standard as far as creepiness is concerned