Alan Wake Special One: The Signal

Alan Wake Special One: The Signal

If you plan on playing this DLC episode in order to get some answers you are in for a disappointment. Alan is still battling his inner demons and in this episode they are out in full force. There are some interesting new ideas but don’t expect too many revelations.

Gameplay: A lot more action packed than the main game.

Graphics: The same as the main game, but the locations are twisted around.

Sound: Still good

Pinball Fantasies

Pinball Fantasies

A real blast from the past that is every bit as playable today as it was all those years ago. Very addictive and perfectly suited this is a great flagship title for the PSP minis and at its low price point you can’t afford not to miss out.

Gameplay: Just as good today as it was all those years ago.

Graphics: Identical to the Amiga version bar some slight ghosting.

Sound: Nostalgic

Rock Band Unplugged

Rock Band Unplugged

Developer: Harmonix / Backbone Entertainment | Publisher: MTV Games | Release Date: 2009 | Genre: Rhythm Game | Website: Official Website Seeing as Rock Band on console is a peripheral based music game that is played via plastic guitars, drums & microphones it is surprising that a PSP port was actually attempted. What is even more surprising is how well it [...]
TOCA Race Driver 2

TOCA Race Driver 2

A huge, challenging game with hours of gameplay, but watch out as this is by no means an easy title to complete. All in all a very impressive console port that lost nothing in the translation to handheld.

Gameplay: Infuriatingly tough at times, but you’ll keep coming back to it.

Graphics: Pretty good for a handheld.

Sound: Solid voice overs and good sound effects

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona

For fans of the series that missed this game the first time around, this is a great chance to see where it all started. Newer players might find the game to be a bit dated, but it fits the hand-held perfectly and makes for a very enjoyable experience. It’s not without its flaws, however, so be sure you have a lot of patience before you attempt to finish this one.

Gameplay: Feels a bit dated compared to modern games, but is still very playable.

Graphics: Very nice cut-scenes but the game graphics really show their age.

Sound: Revamped audio brings this side of the game up to date

Star Ocean: Second Evolution

Star Ocean: Second Evolution

A good game, although not as good as the first title. It will still provide you with hours of challenging and entertaining gameplay so if you are a RPG fan then this still comes highly recommended.

Gameplay: The epitome of old-skool.

Graphics: Pretty much the same as the first game which isn’t a bad thing.

Sound: Pretty standard fare

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon could easily have ended up as a promotional novelty to tide players over until the release of Ritual of the Night, but thankfully this is not the case. Instead, Inti Creates has crafted a compelling and enjoyable title featuring everything that made the 8-bit Castlevania titles so great. It does veer dangerously close to the Castlevania license at times, but considering how Konami is doing nothing with the series, fans certainly won’t mind.

Gameplay: As close as you can get to the 8-bit Castlevania titles.

Graphics: Captures the 8-bit style perfectly.

Sound: Great, but not quite as memorable as the classic Castlevania tunes

My Friend Pedro

My Friend Pedro

My Friend Pedro is a violent platform shooter with an emphasis on stylish action. Taking down enemies in slow motion is a lot of fun and the game has no shortage of props like frying pans, skateboards, glass panes, zip-lines and more to make it look even more impressive. The last half of the game skews perhaps a bit too much towards puzzles and platforming instead of stylish mayhem, but apart from this the game is a blast to play.

Gameplay: Violent, over the top and lots of fun.

Graphics: A few wonky animations and generic backgrounds, but overall good.

Sound: Decent sound effects and a great soundtrack

Muse Dash

Muse Dash

Muse Dash might be a mobile port, but it is also one of the most adorable looking and addictive rhythm action games on PC. The art style is extremely polished and it also features an incredible soundtrack. The controls are basic enough to draw in newcomers to the genre, but playing some of the faster songs on higher difficulty settings can also provide veterans with a challenge. You also get an incredible amount of content for a very reasonable price, so don’t miss out on this game.

Gameplay: Simple to play, but incredibly addictive once you become hooked.

Graphics: The art style is colorful and adorable.

Sound: The soundtrack is catchy and features a diverse range of great tracks

Atlantis: Pearls of the Deep

Atlantis: Pearls of the Deep

Atlantis: Pearls of the Deep doesn’t have much of a story, but it does have plenty of levels to complete for fans of match-3 games. The fact that the spheres drop from the top of the screen is a refreshing change of pace for the genre and the physics-based elements also add an element of unpredictability. Overall, though, it is a very chill game that is perfect for players who just want to sit back and relax.

Gameplay: Very laid back and quite addictive.

Graphics: Polished, but rather basic.

Sound: A little limited, but quite soothing