Explosionade

Explosionade

Explosionade has been out for a while on Xbox 360 already, but this PC version still delivers plenty of action. It is a 2D shooter that feels lifted straight from the arcade, and the new leaderboards provide an extra incentive to aim for a high score. Although the game is still great on its own, we suggest grabbing the Mommy’s Best Action Pack to get it along with three other titles from the same developer.

Gameplay: Small levels filled with many enemies ensure the action never lets up.

Graphics: There is an almost Neo Geo style to the 2D visuals.

Sound: The game features decent music and plenty of sound effects

Nidhogg

Nidhogg

If single player games are your thing then you can probable give Nidhogg a miss. Gather around a few friends and start a tournament if you really want to experience what all the fuss is about. The frantic combat will test your luck and reflexes while the low system requirements means the game will run smoothly on just about any hardware.

Gameplay: The single player is good practice but the real fun lies in multi-player.

Graphics: Retro pixel art with smooth animations.

Sound: A brilliant electronic soundtrack composed by Daedelus

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™: Out of the Shadows

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™: Out of the Shadows

As a big fan of the ninja turtles it pains me to see how much unrealized potential this game has. With a bit more spit and polish it could have been great but as it is the game feels rushed and unfinished. The combat is enjoyable once you get the hang of it but can feel imprecise and sluggish initially. Wait for a sale and hopefully a few patches before diving in.

Gameplay: With a bit more polish it could have been great.

Graphics: Some nice detail but overall a bit uneven.

Sound: The voice acting is great and the tunes fit the game nicely

Go! Go! Nippon! 2015

Go! Go! Nippon! 2015

Fans of the original game will love the new locations, enhanced visuals and expanded story of Go! Go! Nippon! 2015, but newcomers are also in for a treat. The game is packed with information and offers a unique way to experience Japanese culture and tourist attractions without hopping on a plane. The lack of voice acting is a letdown, but overall this expansion lives up to expectations.

Gameplay: Lots of information about Japan and a lighthearted love story as well.

Graphics: The new animations are great and the widescreen visuals are a step up from the original game.

Sound: Still no voice acting, but the audio is very upbeat and fitting

Wipeout Pure

Wipeout Pure

Wipeout Pure shows what a launch game is capable of if enough time and effort is put into it. It is a perfect showcase of the new hardware and a joy to play. Addictive from start to finish with plenty of content to back up the visuals this game is essential to any collection.

Gameplay: Starts out nice and slow but by the time things speed up you will already be hooked.

Graphics: The most impressive visuals in a handheld title to date.

Sound: If you like the genre you’ll love the soundtrack

Rememoried

Rememoried

Rememoried combines surreal, but beautiful visuals, atmospheric music and some very perplexing puzzles into one unique experience. The landscapes you explore are not only dreamlike, but in true dream fashion also changes when you look away, which takes a while to get used to. Don’t expect to just walk around and gawk at the pretty visuals though as the game also features plenty of platform jumping, which can be tricky. Overall it is an engrossing and unique title, but one that might be a little too niche for some players.

Gameplay: The game doesn’t hold your hand or spell out what you need to do, so it can be confusing at times.

Graphics: Minimalist, but very beautiful.

Sound: Varied and very atmospheric

Rayman Raving Rabbids

Rayman Raving Rabbids

It is a pity that some of the mini-games on offer are so horrible as these really drag down the whole packages. The game does offer a lot of entertainment and the twisted sense of humour will have you laughing out loud. This is the type of game that the Wii remote was made for.

Gameplay: Apart from a few duds the mini-games are quite fun.

Graphics: Goofy and entertaining but it won’t blow you away.

Sound: Those rabbids sure know how to make a noise

Heavy Rain: Move Edition

Heavy Rain: Move Edition

While the controls and reliance on quick time events might deter some players, Heavy Rain is a game that must be experienced. The attention to detail and the gripping narrative are highlights and while the game fumbles in a few places it kept me hooked right to the end.

Gameplay: After a slow start the game really pics up the pace and draws you in.

Graphics: Very impressive character details and some excellent environments.

Sound: Good overall but the voice acting can sound a bit strange

Spooky Bonus

Spooky Bonus

Spooky Bonus is an addictive Match-3 puzzle game with a nice Halloween theme. With 100 levels that can be played in either “Relaxed” or “Timed” mode as well as tons of power-ups to unlock the game will keep fans of the genre entertained for hours. Everything about the game is very polished and it also doesn’t dilute the experience by shoehorning in any unneeded gimmicks or mini-games.

Gameplay: Very entertaining and very addictive.

Graphics: The Halloween themed visuals look great.

Sound: The music and sound effects are all a great match for the game

Rayman Origins

Rayman Origins

If you don’t like to be challenged and prefer games that you can complete without breaking a sweat, then Rayman Origins is not for you. If you can still remember the days when platform games were a true test of your skills and reflexes then you can’t pass up this game. Origins is one of the best looking and entertaining entries that the genre has seen in recent years and well worth adding to your collection.

Gameplay: Starts off nice and easy, but the challenge soon ramps up.

Graphics: Some of the best 2D visuals seen in a platform game.

Sound: Brilliantly wacky and perfectly suits the look and feel of the game