Knot

Knot

Knot is an enjoyable puzzle game that is based on interlocking burr puzzles. It’s a decent-looking game, but the control scheme leaves much to be desired. With 40 puzzles on offer, the game can be completed in a few hours, but considering the low price tag, it is still something that will keep puzzle fans entertained despite the niggles.

Gameplay: The concept is very enjoyable, but the controls let the game down.

Graphics: The puzzles look great, and the wood, stone, copper, and other materials for the textures add some visual variety.

Sound: Although the soundtrack is quite relaxing, it’s not very varied

The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director’s Cut

The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director’s Cut

The Witcher is a huge game with plenty to see and do, but there’s also plenty of padding and tedium to wade through in the process. It features an interesting protagonist and the dark fantasy setting makes for a nice change of pace. The “Enhanced Edition” updates a lot of things in the original release that was lacking, such as the animations and writing, but it is still far from perfect. Still, those who have the patience to put up with its quirks will enjoy the experience.

Gameplay: Does things a little differently from traditional action RPGs, but it is still fun despite some tedium.

Graphics: Some of the visual elements look great, but some of the character models still look downright ugly.

Sound: The soundtrack is very good, but the voice acting is a mixed bag

Toki

Toki

Toki is a great looking update of a classic arcade game, but despite the visual gloss and re-orchestrated soundtrack, it is still as tough as nails. This is not a game for players who demand infinite lives and saves, but fans of the original will get a kick out of this high definition version. Although it is a very short game, it is going to take a while for players to complete it, especially on the higher difficulties.

Gameplay: Tough as nails, but also a lot of fun.

Graphics: The updated visuals look great, but remain true to the original.

Sound: Features some lovely re-orchestrated music as well as the original tunes

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages

Although the key to success in Rock of Ages is often speed instead of strategy, it is still an interesting mix of genres that is a lot of fun to play. The campaign mode is very funny, but also very short and easy, so you’ll want to play with friends to get the most out of this game. The tower defense elements are a bit underutilized using a giant boulder to crush everything in your path is so much fun that it doesn’t really matter.

Gameplay: Very entertaining, but not as much strategic depth as you might think.

Graphics: The art style is very unique and funny.

Sound: Very juvenile, but once again it’s hard not to smile while playing

Glass Masquerade 2: Illusions

Glass Masquerade 2: Illusions

Glass Masquerade 2: Illusions follows in the footsteps of its predecessor with more of the same soothing jigsaw style puzzles. The gameplay remains unchanged, but the new theme features slightly more sinister-looking stained glass art to assemble from broken pieces. It’s still a very enjoyable experience, but overall it’s more of the same, so like the original, it will be a love it or hate it experience for most players.

Gameplay: Assemble stained glass images by piecing together the broken pieces.

Graphics: The art style is unique and some of the images are quite sinister.

Sound: Very soothing and relaxing

Primal Light

Primal Light

Primal Light is a linear 2D platformer with great pixel art and punishing gameplay. It is very much an old-school title, so you can expect limited lives, checkpoints, and having to redo the entire level with each continue. Most platformers have eased up on these things, which means Primal Light can be enjoyably challenging or frustratingly difficult, depending on your skill level. However, the game was updated after its release, making the easiest mode more accessible to less skilled players.

Gameplay: The game can be brutal at times, but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome with some patience or playing on the easiest mode.

Graphics: Primal Light captures the 16-bit aesthetic perfectly.

Sound: The soundtrack for this game is moody and eerie

Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® – Game of the Year Edition

Warhammer® 40,000: Dawn of War® – Game of the Year Edition

Dawn of War is an addictive real-time strategy game that places the emphasis firmly on the action. Although you can play as four different races in skirmish or multiplayer modes, the campaign only gives you command of the Space Marines. The game is getting rather long in the teeth at this point, but it still holds up well and comes highly recommend to fans of Warhammer 40,000 in particular and the RTS genre in general.

Gameplay: The game is very addictive and there is rarely a dull moment.

Graphics: Large conflicts can still look bloody and impressive, but the graphics do show their age.

Sound: The soundtrack and effects are decent, but the voice acting can be hit or miss at times

First Tennis World Tour 2 Gameplay Trailer Revealed

First Tennis World Tour 2 Gameplay Trailer Revealed

NACON and Big Ant Studios recently unveiled the very first gameplay trailer for the upcoming Tennis World Tour 2. The game, which is a joint project, will be released this September on PC as well as the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch

Shadowrun Returns

Shadowrun Returns

The Shadowrun license lends itself perfectly to an in-depth and complex role-playing experience, but unfortunately, it feels like Shadowrun Returns just skims the surface. The story is interesting enough, and there are a handful of great characters to interact with, but at times, it does feel like the game was dumbed down a little too much for casual audiences. The 2D artwork looks great, and the soundtrack is very atmospheric, but we were left wanting more by the end of the 12-hour campaign.

Gameplay: The game is a lot of fun but not as in-depth as we had hoped.

Graphics: The 2D artwork looks great, but the 3D character models could have been better.

Sound: While it lacks voice acting, the soundtrack fits the game perfectly

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix

Puzzle Quest: Galactrix

Galactrix tries to improve on the classic Puzzle Quest gameplay, but falls far short in a lot of areas. The story mode is not very engaging and the game squanders a lot of its potential. At every turn, we encountered something that could have been good if it was implemented properly, which is a pity. The core gameplay is still addictive but becomes tiresome far sooner than the original ever did. Add to this some technical issues and you have a game that is hard to recommend.

Gameplay: The basic elements are addictive, but you have to put up with a lot of tedium.

Graphics: Not bad, but nothing stands out as great.

Sound: The soundtrack is decent, but everything else is pretty forgettable