Pinball FX3 – Universal Classics™ Pinball

Pinball FX3 – Universal Classics™ Pinball

With tables based around Back to The Future, Jaws and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the Universal Classics Pinball pack is a must have for fans of the genre. All three of the tables on offer look great and are a lot of fun to play. The table designers have done an admirable job with fusing these licenses with pinball instead of simply using images based on the films. Unfortunately, none of the tables feature licensed music, which is really a pity for films like these that has such iconic soundtracks. However, apart from the music there is very little to fault here and these tables offer a nice break from all the Marvel and Star Wars tables available for the platform.

Gameplay: Three tables with great designs that are a lot of fun to play.

Graphics: Each table features plenty of visual elements from the films as well as some great looking 3D models.

Sound: The sound effects and voice acting are decent enough, but the lack of licensed music is a bummer

Packed 4th Quarter For Artifex Mundi

Packed 4th Quarter For Artifex Mundi

Popular hidden object puzzle adventure publisher, Artifex Mundi, has revealed their release schedule for the fall / winter season and it is packed to say the least. In addition to a couple of brand new titles, the publisher has also set their sights on making more of their older titles available for consoles. In addition, fans of their existing franchises can also look forward to brand new adventures for their favorite characters

Eventide 3: Legacy of Legends

Eventide 3: Legacy of Legends

Mary the botanist is back and this time it is her brother that is in need of rescuing. This means another adventure through exotic locations while encountering interesting creatures from Slavic mythology. Like previous titles in the series, Eventide 3 isn’t the longest or most challenging example of the genre, but makes up for it with its unique setting. Newcomers to the genre will get the most out of this game as it features quite a few minigames that are very familiar to veterans, but makes up for it with some nice hidden object scenes. The lush visuals and imaginative scenes also set this game apart from other titles. If you are a fan of the genre and want a relaxing adventure that will keep you busy for an evening or two, then Eventide 3 should be high on your wishlist.

Gameplay: Not that challenging and the minigames could have benefited from some more originality, but the hidden object scenes are good.

Graphics: The series has a reputation for great visuals and Eventide 3 doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

Sound: Decent voice acting and some nice tunes

Iceberg Interactive Publisher Weekend On Steam

Iceberg Interactive Publisher Weekend On Steam

Do you enjoy spine tingling horror games or does your tastes lie more towards hi-octane action? Perhaps you are a fan of simulator games or even strategy titles. If the answer is yes, then chances are you are already familiar with Iceberg Interactive. This independent video game publisher has been responsible for a number of titles in these genres over the past eight years. If you are not familiar with the games they have published or know about them, but want to fill a few gaps in your library there is no better time than now. That’s because their Publisher Weekend is in full swing on Steam and their entire Steam catalog is on sale

Pinball FX3

Pinball FX3

Pinball FX 3 is not just a small update compared to Pinball FX 2, but feels like a brand new game. It comes with a range of new features that are aimed at drawing in newcomers as well as keeping veterans busy for longer. Not only does the older tables look better than ever before, but the brand new challenges and cross-platform features provide added incentives to return to them. It is a pity that not all the Pinball FX 2 tables could make the transition to the new game, it is a relief that the majority can be imported to the new game without having to pay for them again. Pinball FX 3 is without a doubt one of the best pinball games available on the market and definitely doesn’t disappoint if you are a fan of the genre.

Gameplay: Plenty of new features that make it worth moving over from Pinball FX 2.

Graphics: Thanks to real-time lighting and shadow projection the tables look better than ever.

Sound: The guide can become a little annoying, but fortunately the game features plenty of audio options to customize your experience

Jettomero: Hero of the Universe

Jettomero: Hero of the Universe

Jettomero is a stylish-looking game in which you get to guide a giant indestructible robot as it attempts to save humanity. This involves clumsily stomping around small planets while battling the occasional giant monster and collecting fuel. The fact that Jettomero is invincible and battles play out via quick time events means the game doesn’t offer much of a challenge but makes up for it with some relaxing gameplay and a neat story. It can become repetitive as you are required to do the same things repeatedly in each new procedurally generated system. Still, it doesn’t overstay its welcome and offers a unique experience while it lasts.

Gameplay: Jettomereo offers a unique and relaxing experience despite the amount of on-screen carnage that can occur.

Graphics: Jettomero is One of the most stylish-looking games we’ve seen in a while.

Sound: The soothing soundtrack sets a great tone for the game

West of Loathing

West of Loathing

West of Loathing is a single-player role-playing game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which results in a wild quest through the West. The world in which the game is set might be made up of stick figures, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t fleshed out. There are many locations to explore, plenty of puzzles to solve, and hordes of enemies to defeat. Even better, it is the type of RPG where stats make a difference, and your choices make a difference. Fans of the genre will love the depth the game has, but everyone else will appreciate the brilliant sense of humor.

Gameplay: West of Loathing is packed with plenty to see and do, along with a healthy dose of humor.

Graphics: The black and white stick figure style visuals might look simple at first, but they definitely have a lot of charm

Sound: Although the game doesn’t feature voice acting, it has a great soundtrack and plenty of sound effects

EVERSPACE

EVERSPACE

Everspace might not have millions of systems to explore or an open world galaxy of possibilities, but it does have action-packed dogfights, procedurally-generated levels, roguelike elements and stellar visuals. The end result is a game that is highly addictive and offers buckets of replay value. Like all roguelike titles it can feel like a grind at times, but with three very different ships and plenty of perks to upgrade, each new run is very entertaining. If you are a fan of pretty visuals, addictive gameplay and plenty of action, then you don’t want to miss out on Everspace.

Gameplay: Very polished and highly addictive.

Graphics: Space has never looked more spectacular.

Sound: Decent voice acting, great sound effects and the soundtrack isn’t half bad either

All-Star Fruit Racing (3DClouds)

All-Star Fruit Racing (3DClouds)

From Nintendo and Sony to Sega and Konami, there was a time where every developer with a semi decent roster of recognizable characters felt the need to shoehorn their mascots into a kart racing game. Some were good, some not, but the most memorable ones were usually the games featuring well-known characters. 3DClouds, an Italian indie developer doesn’t have the luxury of banking on familiar faces for their title, All-Star Fruit Racing, as it is their debut title. However, this doesn’t mean that the game isn’t worth a closer look as even though it is still an Early Access title, it already impresses

Tokyo Dark

Tokyo Dark

Explore the sinister side of Toyko in this compelling point-and-click adventure / visual novel hybrid. When a seemingly supernatural opponent confronts Detective Ayami Itō, she must put her job and sanity on the line to figure out what is happening. Tokyo Dark features an engaging storyline and a unique system where every choice and action influences your sanity, professionalism, investigation, and neurosis. You also have the option to be as professional or reckless as you would like to be, which can alter the story and lead to more than ten different endings. While the game has some minor flaws, these do not detract from the overall experience, and Tokyo Dark definitely lives up to expectations.

Gameplay: The storyline is compelling, and the game has buckets of replay value.

Graphics: Tokyo Dark has its fair share of interesting characters and locations.

Sound: Full voice acting would have been great, but the music and sound effects are great