Horizon

Horizon

If you are new to the genre Horizon can look pretty complicated at first glance. This is one of those titles where playing the tutorial and checking out the manual is not optional, but essential if you want to get the most out of the game. It doesn’t quite reach the heights of genre classics, but there is a lot to like and it remains addictive throughout.

Gameplay: Appears daunting at first, but becomes more intuitive with extended play.

Graphics: There are some nice visual elements mixed in with all the stats and charts.

Sound: Atmospheric enough to suit the theme of the game

East Tower – Kurenai Now Available On Steam

East Tower – Kurenai Now Available On Steam

The fourth and final title in the East Tower series by roseVeRte is now available on Steam. Like the previous three titles, East Tower – Kurenai is a romance mystery visual novel based around a virtual game attraction. As Kurenai is the conclusion to the series and reveals the secret behind the “Dream World” it is recommended that players who have yet to play the previous titles in the series do so first

GAUGE

GAUGE

Gauge is extremely simple to play, but that is precisely why it is so addictive. Anyone can instantly learn how to play the game, but achieving the big scores requires focus and concentration. This is easier said than done, as the game actively tries to break your concentration and mess with your eyes. The psychedelic visuals can cause quite an eye strain, so this game is best played in short bursts, but overall, it is a lot of fun.

Gameplay: Gauge is very simple but surprisingly addictive and challenging.

Graphics: The visuals are incredibly psychedelic and not recommended for anyone with an epileptic condition.

Sound: The electronic music and sound effects fit the game perfectly

Full Bore

Full Bore

Full Bore is a sprawling adventure with plenty of puzzle based challenges to tackle while you are exploring. Apart from a few rare instances you are not racing against a clock or facing any type of enemies so you can progress at your own pace. Some players may find the experience too sedate while others will be hooked by the fascinating gameworld and tricky puzzles.

Gameplay: A block based puzzler with some very clever challenges.

Graphics: Lovely pixel art with some great animations and lighting effects.

Sound: An excellent glitch/blues soundtrack rounds off the package

Victor Vran

Victor Vran

Victor Vran is the latest contender for the action-RPG crown and actually offers a very enjoyable experience. Visually, it is a little similar to the Van Helsing titles, but thanks to its character customization options feels quite fresh. It also features non-stop action and plenty of challenges, so fans of the genre will really get their money’s worth with this one.

Gameplay: The relentless action can become a little repetitive, but the variety of weapons and powers keeps the combat interesting.

Graphics: The handcrafted levels look really nice and the lighting effects really stand out.

Sound: Good voice acting by some familiar voice actors and a good soundtrack as well

EPOCH

EPOCH

Mobile titles usually don’t fare very well on PC due to their simplicity or lack of options, but Uppercut Games has done a good job sprucing up EPOCH for its Steam release. The improved visuals and responsive controls make it more than just a quick port, and the arcade-style gameplay is perfect for killing some time between more in-depth titles. While the campaign can be completed relatively quickly, there is plenty of replay value, and the endless Arena mode also provides some more longevity.

Gameplay: Epoch is a third-person shooter stripped down to its most basic elements.

Graphics: The Unreal 3 engine provides visuals that were quite good for their time.

Sound: The audio is decent but not particularly memorable

Sekai Project Otakon 2015 News Roundup

Sekai Project Otakon 2015 News Roundup

We were hoping that Sekai Project had some more good news to announce after all the impressive announcements at Anime Expo and thankfully they did not disappoint. They not only announced five new visual novels, but are also dipping their toes into the world of Manga publishing

MangaGamer Otakon 2015 News Roundup

MangaGamer Otakon 2015 News Roundup

MangaGamer had some great announcements at Anime Expo this year, including A Kiss for the Petals and Himawari, but returned with even more good news at Otakon. They not only unveiled a new partner, Propeller, but also revealed five new titles fans can look forward to

The Sagara Family

The Sagara Family

This game features the usual unlikely storyline of a male character ending up in a house full of females but it does provide a bit more substance than usual. There are quite a few branching storylines and a multitude of endings so the replay value is quite high. If you are a fan of the genre and don’t mind the whole family incest angle, then this title ticks all the right boxes.

Gameplay: The usual limitations of the genre, but with plenty of storyline branches.

Graphics: Not bad.

Sound: Includes plenty of sound effects as well as both Japanese and English voice overs

DuckTales: Remastered

DuckTales: Remastered

Wayforward definitely handled this remastered version with the respect that it deserves. The updated visuals look fantastic and the audio sounds great. It was also very nostalgic to hear the original voice actor for Scrooge reprising his role after all these years. If you loved the original you will have a blast with this one, but newcomers might wonder what all the fuss is about.

Gameplay: Very true to the original.

Graphics: The new character sprites are awesome, but I would have liked 2D backgrounds as well.

Sound: Nice renditions of the classic tunes