Assassin’s Creed III

Assassin’s Creed III

While the lead character, Conner, is not quite as charismatic or interesting as his predecessor, Ezio, the game is definitely not lacking in ambition. While it is the largest entry in the series to date, it can get bogged down in all kinds of menial tasks. The story is interesting and Desmond finally has his chance to shine but the story feels overly scripted with little of the freedom that the series was based on.

Gameplay: Large and varied but less focussed than previous installments.

Graphics: Beautiful in places but the setting is rather drab.

Sound: Quality audio and effects

Pokémon Dash

Pokémon Dash

Pokémon Dash is the epitome of a cheap cash-in. Without the Pokémon license this game would barely have been worth a glance and even with it not much is added to the game. Even if you are a huge fan of Pokémon this game simply offers nothing that will keep you interested for long.

Gameplay: The novelty wears off very quickly and the gameplay is extremely repetitive.

Graphics: Very basic and not a very good showcase of the DS abilities.

Sound: Very forgettable

LEGO Batman

LEGO Batman

Lego Batman: The Videogame is not something you are going to bust out to show off the power of your console but it is a fun game that packs a lot of content. Traveler’s Tales has done a good job with the license and the game has something for players both young and old.

Gameplay: Suffers from some monotony but there’s a lot of content here.

Graphics: Surprisingly good although it’s not cutting edge.

Sound: Grunts, yells and laughs mixed in with the classic Batman theme

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin

As a first person shooter this game is great but as a follow up to the excellent F.E.A.R its hard not to be slightly disappointed. The emphasis is on all out action with only a few spooky bits thrown in here and there. As long as you don’t expect the same experience as the original game you will have fun, but there are definitely less thrills and chills.

Gameplay: The scares have been replaced by action which is somewhat disappointing.

Graphics: Nice but maybe a bit too cartoony for its own good at times.

Sound: Very good but could have benefited from a bit more oomph from the weapons

Dub Dash

Dub Dash

Take control of a spherical object without brakes as it rolls straight into danger with this fast-paced and colorful rhythm action game. Your job is to dodge whatever is coming at you, something which is easier said than done. We could have done without some of the modes, especially the Flappy Bird style sections, but overall this is a great game for those who relish a proper challenge. It is not perfect, but making it through all the tracks in one piece will keep you busy for a while.

Gameplay: Simple controls and straightforward objectives, but the challenge is quite steep.

Graphics: Good, but there is rarely time to gawk at your surroundings.

Sound: The soundtrack is excellent, but until you are good you will be hearing it in bits and pieces

Dominique Pamplemousse

Dominique Pamplemousse

Dominique Pamplemousse is not the best looking or sounding game available but it has a lot of heart a pretty unique experience to offer. It tackles some interesting topics in a unique manner and packs some nice twists in its short playtime. When judged purely as a game it is a little lacking but as an experience it is quite good.

Gameplay: Film noir style point & click adventure.

Graphics: A mixture of claymation and homemade props.

Sound: The singing might not appeal to everyone

Saints Row

Saints Row

There is no denying that Saints Row stole most of its ideas from the Grand Theft Auto series but at least it pulled it off with style. Causing mayhem in the city of Stillwater is lots of fun and at times the game does an even better job than what Grand Theft Auto managed. If you like open world games then you might want to check out this one.

Gameplay: Definitely worth looking into especially if you enjoy the GTA games.

Graphics: Good but a few glitches here and there.

Sound: Good voice acting and lots of humour

Borderlands

Borderlands

Borderlands is a unique first person shooter with some nifty RPG elements making it very action packed and addictive to play. For the best results the game should be played in co-op as the story is rather thin and the game has a very MMO feel to it. The unique art style and abundance of weapons makes this game a great time waster.

Gameplay: Thin on story but lots of action and loot hunting.

Graphics: The visual style sets it apart from other first person shooters.

Sound: A good soundtrack and decent voice acting

Defragmented

Defragmented

Defragmented makes the most of its Cyberpunk setting and while the visuals are not exactly cutting edge the gameplay is very addictive. It is a game that is not afraid to challenge players, but prevailing against the overwhelming odds is extremely satisfying. The game also features a synthwave soundtrack so good it is almost worth the price of admission on its own.

Gameplay: Fast paced and very challenging, but also very addictive and rewarding.

Graphics: Simple, but fitting and the destructible environments are a great touch.

Sound: The soundtrack is pure synthwave epicness

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Circle Of The Moon is a great start to the series on Gameboy Advance and has plenty of fun to offer. There are some small annoyances that drag it down but nothing too serious and while it doesn’t eclipse Symphony Of The Night it is still a very worthy game.

Gameplay: Similar to Symphony Of The Night but a lot harder with some very unfair sections.

Graphics: Nice as far as Gameboy Advance games go but a bit dark and could do with more animations.

Sound: Does not disappoint