SteamWorld Heist

SteamWorld Heist

SteamWorld Heist is set in the same universe as its predecessor, SteamWorld Dig, but opted for a completely different genre and play style. Despite the switch, the game retains the charming visual style and addictiveness that is becoming a hallmark of Image & Form titles. If you are a fan of turn-based strategy games you really owe it to yourself to add this one to your collection.

Gameplay: Despite being turn-based, the game feels fast and action packed.

Graphics: Detailed, vibrant and well animated.

Sound: Great sound effects and the soundtrack is brilliant

Stranger of Sword City

Stranger of Sword City

Stranger of Sword City is a dungeon crawler with an interesting mix of fantasy and reality. The world of Escario is a fascinating but unforgiving place to explore, so brace yourself for quite a challenge. Battles are frequent and brutal, but you have total control over how you want to shape your party of monster slayers. Tracking down and killing all the Lineage-type creatures will keep players busy for ages, so don’t expect to finish this game in a day. If you are looking for an old-school dungeon crawler and can handle a challenge, then Stranger of Sword City is the game to play.

Gameplay: The game is tough and unforgiving but also gratifying.

Graphics: While the game features beautiful artwork, the dungeon textures could have been better.

Sound: The game features Japanese voiceovers and some nice background music

Sakura Dungeon

Sakura Dungeon

Sakura Dungeon offers a nice fusion of traditional step based dungeon crawling and the manga visual style that has made developer Winged Cloud (in)famous. Despite all the erotic content (mostly censored in the Steam version) the game doesn’t skimp on the role playing elements either. It might not be as in-depth or complicated as other dungeon crawlers, but definitely offers a fun and compelling experience.

Gameplay: Explore dungeons, defeat cute monster girls and then recruit them to your party.

Graphics: The 2D visuals look great despite the lack of animations.

Sound: Great music, but limited sound effects and no voice acting

Mass Effect

Mass Effect

Gameplay: A nice blend of action and role playing.

Graphics: A decent looking port.

Sound: Very good.

Mass Effect is yet another offering from Bioware that does not disappoint. The story is gripping and the characters interesting. Best of all, this is just the start of a trilogy, so there is still plenty of adventures ahead for Commander Shepard and his crew

Borderlands: Claptrap’s Robot Revolution

Borderlands: Claptrap’s Robot Revolution

While not the epic finale that I would have liked to see, Claptrap’s Robot Revolution still has plenty to offer fans of the game. The Claptraps are adorable and the new “claptrapped” enemies look pretty cool even if they still act the same. While not as big on content as the last DLC it should tide fans over until the inevitable arrival of Borderlands 2.

Gameplay: More of the same but still fun.

Graphics: Apart from the Claptrapped themed enemies, not much new.

Sound: Still good

Fallout 3 – Mothership Zeta

Fallout 3 – Mothership Zeta

Mothership Zeta is a bit of a step backwards as far as Fallout 3 DLC is concerned. The game still has the trademark humor and some interesting areas, but the endless combat and lack of side missions turns it into a grind at times.

Gameplay: Strips Fallout 3 down to a linear corridor shooter.

Graphics: Brand new visual assets and a suitably sci-fi environment.

Sound: Still good

Borderlands: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx

Borderlands: The Secret Armory of General Knoxx

With more humour, weapons, enemies, locations and vehicles this is the best Borderlands DLC yet. A much improved effort than Mad Moxxis Underdome Riot and another chance to loot Pandora. The story is engaging and apart from the tedious driving sections this DLC is a lot of fun to play. If you own Borderlands then you definitely want this DLC as it ups the level cap and throws in some nice high-level loot.

Gameplay: A much better effort than the previous DLC.

Graphics: Nice but nothing we haven’t seen before in the main game.

Sound: The usual high standard

Fallout 3 – Point Lookout

Fallout 3 – Point Lookout

The spooky swamps of Point Lookout are a welcome break from the dusty wasteland. Infested with mutated hillbillies and crazy cultists there is lots of interesting locations to explore. It is a little lacking in good loot, but the story and location hold up well.

Gameplay: Less linear than previous DLC and a lot creepier.

Graphics: A new location and a few new enemies.

Sound: Still good

Fallout 3 – The Pitt

Fallout 3 – The Pitt

The Pitt offers a more compelling story and better gameplay than Operation: Anchorage which is good news for Fallout 3 fans craving more of what makes the game so great. The new areas are interesting to explore and less linear than the narrow corridors of Anchorage. While not very long there is some replay value and even a scavenger hunt with loot rewards to keep you coming back for more.

Gameplay: More of what makes the base game so much fun.

Graphics: Only one new enemy, but the new locations are quite cool.

Sound: Good but nothing to rave about

Borderlands: Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot

Borderlands: Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot

After I praised The Zombie Island Of Dr. Ned as a good example of how to do DLC properly Gearbox goes and does the exact opposite with Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot. The arena fighting idea is nice but by removing all the XP and loot gathering we are left with a empty shell of the addictive Borderlands experience. This could have been so much better.

Gameplay: A tedious grind with very little to show for all your efforts.

Graphics: Nice, but nothing we haven’t seen before in the main game.

Sound: Pretty good, but Moxxi can become a bit repetitive with her quips