Planet of Lana

Planet of Lana

Planet of Lana is a cinematic puzzle adventure where players must help a young girl find and save her sister from the alien robots that have invaded. The only real challenge in the game comes from the puzzles, but it also features some platforming and stealth sections. Planet of Lana is a beautiful-looking game, but the gameplay can feel slightly shallow compared to similar titles. While Lana herself is not a particularly memorable protagonist, it’s hard not to love her little alien cat companion, Mui, who is an invaluable asset during her quest.

Gameplay: Planet of Lana is very short and the platforming as well as puzzles are not too taxing.

Graphics: The game’s visual style is superb, and a big reason to keep playing is to see where the adventure will take Lana next.

Sound: The soundtrack is excellent, and while the voice acting is sparse, it perfectly conveys the emotions Lana is experiencing

Evan’s Remains

Evan’s Remains

Evan’s Remains is a puzzle platformer that combines logic-based platforming challenges with visual novel-style storytelling. Playing as a young woman named Dysis, players are tasked with making their way along a tropical beach and solving puzzles while searching for a vanished man named Evan. Although very linear, the beautiful 2D pixel art visuals and moving soundtrack make the game a joy to play. However, the focus is very much on the story, so frequent cut-scenes punctuate the brief puzzle platforming sequences. The game is not without its flaws, but overall it is a moving and memorable title.

Gameplay: The puzzle platforming sections are fun, but only serve as brief interludes for the main focus of the game, which is the story.

Graphics: The pixel art looks beautiful and the game features some excellent backgrounds and fluid animations.

Sound: The soundtrack remains calm and soothing throughout while the sound effects are crisp and clear

Limbo

Limbo

Limbo plunges players into a bleak and dangerous world as a young boy in search of his sister. The black and white visuals make for a stylish-looking game, but the abundance of traps, enemies, and a physics system that delights in killing players keeps the game challenging throughout. Limbo is a short game, but a memorable one, and despite its flaws comes highly recommended.

Gameplay: The trial-and-error puzzles can be frustrating, but making it through tricky sections is very rewarding.

Graphics: Limbo uses a very minimalist approach for the visuals, but it gives the game a very distinctive look which has since been copied by many other titles.

Sound: The eerie acousmatic music and ambient effects of Limbo are best experienced with a good set of headphones and the game also makes clever use of sound for some puzzles

Planet of Lana First Look Video

Planet of Lana First Look Video

Planet of Lana by Wishfully and Thunderful Publishing is a cinematic puzzle adventure framed by an epic sci-fi saga that stretches across centuries and galaxies. Players must help a young girl named Lana and her loyal friend embark on a rescue mission. Their journey will take them through a colorful world full of cold machines and unfamiliar creatures. Check out the video below for a quick look at the start of the adventure

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara take a break from all the farming of the previous game and instead presents players with a 3D platforming adventure. It sees Koa traveling to different islands where she must take part in platforming trials to find map pieces leading to her next destination. Along with all the platforming the game also features some collectibles to find as well as a few mini-games and races. The entire game is very wholesome and lighthearted while the platforming is easy enough that most players should be able to have fun without getting frustrated.

Gameplay: Some of the control elements, such as having to hold down a button to run, takes some getting used to but overall the game is fun and varied.

Graphics: The visuals are bright and colorful while the levels are varied enough that exploring them won’t feel repetitive.

Sound: Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara lacks any type of voice acting, but there are plenty of sound effects along with a very upbeat and catchy soundtrack

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara First Look Video

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara First Look Video

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara by Chibig, Talpa Games, and Undercoders is a 3D platformer adventure where players must traverse wild islands, dodge cunning traps and defeat pirate bosses. It features eight worlds with their own themes, traps, and bits of story, along with plenty of memorable characters. Players can also discover all kinds of hidden secrets, challenges, and collectibles as they explore. Check out the video below for a quick look at the game’s opening moments

9 Years of Shadows First Look Video

9 Years of Shadows First Look Video

9 Years of Shadows by Halberd Studios and Freedom Games is a side-scrolling Metroidvania starring a young warrior named Europa and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino. The game is set in a world slowly being corrupted and swallowed in darkness, and players must venture into the twisted depths of a dormant fortress to find the source. Check out the video below for a quick look at the start of the adventure

INSIDE Special Look Video

INSIDE Special Look Video

INSIDE by Playdead sees players take control of a young boy who is hunted and alone as he is drawn into the center of a dark project. This narrative-driven platformer combines intense action with challenging puzzles and is currently 90% off on Steam until the 16th of March, 2023. Check out the quick special look video below to see the moody art style, ambient soundtrack, and unsettling atmosphere of the game

It Takes Two

It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a 3D platformer that has been built from the ground up to be a cooperative experience. It tells the heartfelt story of two people who are on the brink of divorce when they are thrown together for the adventure of a lifetime. The fantastic levels, innovative gameplay, and constant surprises make It Takes Two one of the most memorable titles in the genre and, without a doubt, one of the best co-op games of all time.

Gameplay: Along with traditional platforming and puzzle solving, each section of It Takes Two introduces new gameplay elements.

Graphics: The character designs are top-notch, and the levels are some of the most imaginative in the genre.

Sound: The stellar voice acting and great sound design make It Takes Two feel like a blockbuster movie instead of a game at times

Sackboy™: A Big Adventure First Look Video

Sackboy™: A Big Adventure First Look Video

Sackboy™: A Big Adventure by Sumo Digital and PlayStation PC sees the popular Playstation icon appearing on PC for the first time. After a dastardly villain named Vex kidnaps Sackboy’s friends, it is time for an epic platforming adventure to save the day. Players can set off alone or team up with friends for collaborative, chaotic, and joyful multiplayer. This video features a quick look at the solo mode of the game