Selenon Rising

Selenon Rising

Selenon Rising is a great visual novel with an interesting story and great setting. The psychic abilities of the main character also makes for an interesting gameplay mechanic as it adds a bit more depth to interrogating suspects. It is an episodic release, so time will tell if it can remain as engaging throughout, but so far so good.

Gameplay: Searching crime scenes and interrogating suspects make it a bit more interactive than your typical visual novel.

Graphics: Decent visuals, but the cut-scenes could have been better.

Sound: No voice acting, but superb music

Mythic Wonders: The Philosopher’s Stone

Mythic Wonders: The Philosopher’s Stone

Join Emma as she searches for her missing uncle in a couple of elemental based realms while outwitting the guardian that is intent on stopping her. Mythic Wonders: The Philosopher’s Stone features great visuals and entertaining puzzles as well as decent hidden object scenes that make up for the rather generic storyline. Thanks to the robust customization options it is also an adventure that can be enjoyed no matter what your skill level is.

Gameplay: The puzzles are enjoyable and the hidden object scenes well done.

Graphics: Beautiful hand drawn visuals that show a lot of imagination.

Sound: The soundtrack is quite enjoyable, but the voice acting is average at best

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain is a great shooter that strays a little from the usual formula to offer an action packed experience that is based more on skill than luck. Mastering the use of the M.E.F.A2 and Concept Reactor attacks are immensely satisfying and also allows you to play more aggressively. Players used to power-ups and weapon upgrades will find that RefRain has a bit of a learning curve, but this also provides it with more longevity and replay value. Overall, if you are a fan of the genre, then RefRain certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Gameplay: Challenging, but very rewarding when mastered.

Graphics: The designs are a little bland compared to other shooters, but the game is very colorful.

Sound: Features a very fitting electronic soundtrack

Tibetan Quest: Beyond the World’s End

Tibetan Quest: Beyond the World’s End

Travel to Shangri-La and find your missing niece in this hidden object game from Brave Giant LTD. It doesn’t have much to offer that is new in terms of gameplay and story, but remains enjoyable throughout. The setting is interesting and the polished visuals as well as atmospheric audio make up for the lack of challenge.

Gameplay: Not much of a challenge, but still fun.

Graphics: Definitely not a realistic depiction of Tibet, but the visuals are detailed and polished.

Sound: Nice music and great sound effects

Need for Speed: ProStreet

Need for Speed: ProStreet

NFS: ProStreet marked a change in direction for the series and features none of the police chases or illegal street racing that has made the franchise famous. Instead you get to take part in legal races on tracks from around the world. While not a bad game, it can quickly become repetitive and overall lacks the polish that we have come to expect from a Need for Speed title.

Gameplay: A completely new direction for the series and not one that all fans will enjoy.

Graphics: Not bad, but lacking somewhat in polish.

Sound: The tunes are decent, but the announcers can become annoying

Peggle Deluxe

Peggle Deluxe

Like all the best puzzle games, Peggle Deluxe is almost insultingly simple to grasp, but once you get into it you’ll be hooked. It is horribly addictive and the whole package is just put together so well one can’t help but be charmed.

Gameplay: Very simple and very addictive.

Graphics: For a casual game, it is pretty good with some nice backgrounds.

Sound: The tunes are OK and the sound effects serviceable

Mass Effect

Mass Effect

Gameplay: A nice blend of action and role playing.

Graphics: A decent looking port.

Sound: Very good.

Mass Effect is yet another offering from Bioware that does not disappoint. The story is gripping and the characters interesting. Best of all, this is just the start of a trilogy, so there is still plenty of adventures ahead for Commander Shepard and his crew