Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5 ramps up the action and adds a partner into the mix, but the clunky controls really put a damper on the fun. The game is at its best when played in co-op but the single player experience can be a slog at times due to the dubious actions of your partner. If you are looking for scares then you can safely pass up on Resident Evil 5, but if you want a mindless shooter with some impressive set pieces then give it a try.

Gameplay: Action packed but the controls and the AI partner lets things down.

Graphics: Very nice, but some levels look much better than others.

Sound: Good but not exactly memorable

Polarium

Polarium

Polarium has an interesting premise but never becomes as addictive as something like Tetris would. The basics are very easy to grasp and the game simple to play, but even at a low price it just doesn’t feel like value for money. If you are tired of other puzzle game and yearn for something new, then check this out but don’t expect it to last.

Gameplay: Different but just not as addictive as I had hoped.

Graphics: Looks like it was done on the original Gameboy.

Sound: It’s ok, but nothing really stood out

Queen’s Quest: Tower of Darkness

Queen’s Quest: Tower of Darkness

Queen’s Quest: Tower of Darkness is a decent enough hidden object puzzle adventure starring a royal heiress on the trail of an evil sorcerer who kidnapped her infant daughter. The colorful and detailed artwork is certainly very eye-catching, but the animations could have used a bit more work. The story never really takes off either, but there are plenty of hidden object scenes and mini-games to sink your teeth into. While far from the best that the genre has to offer, Queen’s Quest has its heart in the right place and can still provide an entertaining experienced, provided you don’t expect too much from it.

Gameplay: The story and puzzles are a little lacking, but there are plenty of hidden object scenes and mini-games.

Graphics: Colorful and detailed, but the character animations are a little off.

Sound: Decent enough for the most part, but some of the voice overs could have been much better

Pinobee: Wings of Adventure

Pinobee: Wings of Adventure

Pinobee is a unique take on the platform genre but it is definitely a love it or hate it type of game. If you take your time and explore each level or play to see all the endings you will get value for your money, but if you are just going to race through the game you will be looking at the credits in about an hour’s time.

Gameplay: Very easy if you plan on just playing without exploring.

Graphics: Colorful and detailed.

Sound: Whimsical but ultimately a bit grating

Sweetest Monster

Sweetest Monster

Sweetest Monster is the latest release from ebi-hime, which means interesting characters and memorable situations. It is defintely a much darker title than what you might think, but one that kept us hooked right to the very end. At only about 40,000 words it is slightly shorter than the average visual novel, but the story is good and the price very reasonable. Anyone looking for something with a bit more substance than the typical lighthearted cat-girl visual novels should definitely give this kinetic novel a try.

Gameplay: Beautifully written and definitely very memorable despite the lack of choices or story branches.

Graphics: The game only features a limited amount of character sprites and backgrounds, but they are all great.

Sound: There is no voice acting, but the background music and sound effects are of a very high standard

Project Gotham Racing 4

Project Gotham Racing 4

If you are looking for a fast paced racing game featuring some exotic cars (and bikes) then look no further than PGR4. The visuals are outstanding and there is enough content here to keep you playing for a long time. With a career mode as well as some arcade modes this is one racing game you won’t soon tire of.

Gameplay: Pure action packed racing done right.

Graphics: The rain is a visual standout, but the overall graphics are very good.

Sound: Very good sound effects and a soundtrack that should satisfy all tastes

Ellipsis

Ellipsis

Don’t be fooled by the beautiful minimalist visuals that Ellipses sports. It isn’t just another Geometry Wars clone, but a polished and very addictive title where your avoidance skills and puzzle solving abilities are needed instead of an itchy trigger finger. Ellipses features tons of great levels, spread across eight worlds and in addition to plenty of replay value it also ships with a level editor and Steam Workshop support. If you are looking for something fresh and unique this is definitely not a title you want to miss.

Gameplay: Simple, but very polished and highly addictive.

Graphics: Makes great use of minimalist, but striking visuals.

Sound: Complements the on-screen action perfectly

Left in the Dark: No One on Board

Left in the Dark: No One on Board

Left In The Dark: No One On Board is yet another hidden object puzzle adventure with a supernatural storyline and some spooky locations to explore. Unfortunately, it faces some stiff competition and feels a bit lacking compared to other similar titles in terms of puzzles and hidden object scenes. It is certainly not a bad game, but being short and average definitely counts against it when there are so many other titles sharing the same genre. Only considering picking it up if you are a big fan of the genre or find it on sale at a great price.

Gameplay: The story failed to really grip us and feels a bit generic.

Graphics: Decent enough artwork, but not that really sets it apart from similar titles.

Sounds: The music is unmemorable and some of the dialog sounds very unconvincing

Imprint-X

Imprint-X

Imprint-X is a unique entry in the puzzle genre that not only requires memorization and pattern recognition, but some quick reflexes as well. The entire game is based around the concept of pushing buttons, although accomplishing this feat is a lot trickier than you might think. It is a game that leaves it up to you to figure out what is required to succeed, but sadly it is not quite as addictive as some of the best titles in the genre. Regardless, it is definitely different and well worth checking out considering its price tag.

Gameplay: The game starts off very easy, but later levels will thoroughly test your memorization and reflexes.

Graphics: The cut-scenes and art style probably won’t appeal to everyone, but the overall look of the game is quite nice.

Sound: The background music is great and never becomes annoying

Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City

Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City

If you enjoyed GTA IV then you will love these two new episodes. It might have taken a while to reach the PC, but the wait was definitely worth it and together these two games represents excellent value for money. A must-buy for every Grand Theft Auto fan.

Gameplay: Same awesome new additions to an already great game.

Graphics: Needs a hefty PC, but is worth it.

Sound: Still one of the best soundtracks and voice acting in the business