Loot Hound™

Loot Hound™

Loot Hound allows you to unleash your dog on different parks in an effort to find the most epic loot. It is a very simple game, but quite addictive and very humorous. The challenge level is quite low, but the abundance of levels and loot increases the replay value. As far as casual games goes, this one is relaxing and entertaining, which makes it easy to recommend.

Gameplay: Not very challenging, but quirky and addictive enough to keep you playing.

Graphics: Fairly basic, but quite charming.

Sound: Great ambient sound effects and a very humorous narrator

Abyss: The Wraiths of Eden

Abyss: The Wraiths of Eden

Abyss: Wraiths of Eden is yet another very enjoyable hidden object game from one of the best developers in the genre. The setting might not be that original, but looks great and makes for an interesting story. Since it is a relatively easy title, it is a good starting point for newcomers, but it is polished enough that even veterans will enjoy the experience.

Gameplay: Easy to complete but remains enjoyable throughout.

Graphics: The hand-drawn visuals look great, but the close-up character animations are not the best.

Sound: Nice music, but the voice acting could have been better

Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition

Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition

Batman: Arkham Asylum is as close to perfection as I have ever seen a game based upon a comic license come. Rocksteady Studios have come out of nowhere and released the definitive Batman game. Fans of the caped crusader will love this game but even if you only have a passing interest in the character you will find a lot to enjoy here. This game of the year edition adds a few extras to an already great game.

Gameplay: Polished and engaging, this is the best Batman game yet.

Graphics: Excellent visual style that retains the gritty look of the comic books.

Sound: Excellent voice overs all round and great music

Aliens vs. Predator™

Aliens vs. Predator™

An atmospheric human campaign, frantic wall and ceiling crawling Alien campaign and stealthy Predator campaign all combine for an entertaining package. I would have loved to see more variety in the locations but the game was fun to play despite its flaws. Definitely worth it if you spot it at a bargain price.

Gameplay: Standard FPS fare as the marine but the Alien and Predator campaigns offer something new.

Graphics: Nice graphics and great animations.

Sound: Lance Henrikson does a great job but the rest of the voice overs are so so

Max Payne 3

Max Payne 3

Max Payne 3 is quite a big departure from past installments, both in tone and visuals. It is however still a great game with plenty of action packed sequences. The over-abundance of cut-scenes can be a bit annoying for those that want to get right to the action but the story is gripping enough and takes Max to some pretty dark places. Highly recommended.

Gameplay: Feels like you are in the middle of a big-budget action movie.

Graphics: Excellent with lots of varied locations.

Sound: Awesome voice acting and a great soundtrack

Guilty Gear

Guilty Gear

Guilty Gear might not be able to win over the hardcore Street Fighter fans or the 3D Beat ‘Em Up aficionados but it is something different and unique. Fights are fast and can be won in the blink of an eye which might catch some players off guard. If you can put up with the punishing difficulty or have many friends to play against then this game is well worth digging up.

Gameplay: Fast and unforgiving. Not very noob friendly but veterans will enjoy the challenge.

Graphics: Proves that the PSone can handle good 2D visuals.

Sound: Depends on how much you like metal

Ten Questions With… Nikola Kostic (KBros Games)

Ten Questions With… Nikola Kostic (KBros Games)

We recently checked out the dark and moody puzzle-platformer, Albert and Otto: The Adventure Begins, from indie developer KBros. In it players have to traverse a unique and foreboding gameworld while relying on the aid of a magical bunny to survive the many pitfalls. To find out more about the game we badgered its creator Nikola Kostic who graciously answered our questions

G-senjou no Maou – The Devil on G-String

G-senjou no Maou – The Devil on G-String

The story of G-senjou no Maou – The Devil on G-String is definitely the best part, but despite its age the game doesn’t disappoint when it comes to visuals and audio either. The adult scenes did not make the cut, but even without them the game is still one of the best in the genre. Players who enjoy intelligent and well written stories with plenty of twists and turns should not miss out on G-senjou no Maou – The Devil on G-String.

Gameplay: This is a very long visual novel with wildly different routes and plenty of great characters.

Graphics: It is a pity that the CGs had to be cropped for widescreen, but the game still looks great despite its age.

Sound: The voice overs cost extra, but are worth the high price and the soundtrack is equally brilliant

Albert and Otto: The Adventure Begins

Albert and Otto: The Adventure Begins

Albert and Otto offers stylish visuals, interesting puzzles and platforming sections that will leave even veterans with sweaty palms. The story is a little vague, but traversing the bleak, trap-filled gameworld is a lot of fun. The game is a little on the short side, but makes up for it with a low price and with three more episodes to come there is a lot to look forward to.

Gameplay: Quite challenging in places, but conquering the tricky parts is immensely satisfying.

Graphics: The bleak, monochrome art direction is nothing new, but still looks very stylish.

Sound: No speech, but features a suitably eerie soundtrack

Vampire Legends: The True Story of Kisilova

Vampire Legends: The True Story of Kisilova

Exploring an 18th century town hot on the heels of a vampire makes for an interesting hidden object game and the abundance of mini-games are also very entertaining. The story is fairly straightforward, but the locations are varied and managed to keep us hooked right to the end. The bonus chapter is also an unexpected highlight and definitely adds value for money.

Gameplay: The main story is a little short, but remains fun throughout and the bonus chapter is a big plus.

Graphics: Nice artwork and plenty of great locations.

Sound: Good overall, but the sound effects really stand out as great