Alan Wake’s American Nightmare

Alan Wake’s American Nightmare

American Nightmare offers more action and less atmosphere than the original game, but it is still a compelling addition to the series. With only three locations to explore, it lacks the depth of the first game, but the story is still very interesting. It is important to remember that this is not a sequel but a bite-sized addition to the Alan Wake saga.

Gameplay: A more action-oriented approach than the original game.

Graphics: Good, but the wide-open areas make it less creepy.

Sound: Overall good, but some of the voice acting could have been better

Tiny Thief

Tiny Thief

Tiny Thief is definitely worth checking out, especially if you don’t have access to a mobile device. The charming visuals and interesting scenes will suck you in and the puzzles will ensure that you have fun without getting bored. I had a lot of fun with this game and absolutely recommend it, especially if you can pick it up in a good sale.

Gameplay: Not too taxing, but loads of fun.

Graphics: Cute, papercraft style visuals.

Sound: Loads of sound effects bring the gameworld to life

Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe VR

Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe VR

While at first glance Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe might look like a glorified version of Pong it actually has a lot to offer. Your opponents are varied and it takes time to learn how to defeat them while a steady stream of unlocks will keep you coming back for more. Whether you want to play for a few minutes or a few hours, Shufflepuck Cantina Deluxe is a good choice.

Gameplay: Very addictive in short bursts, but can become a bit of a grind.

Graphics: Enhanced enough to not look like a simple mobile port.

Sound: Good tunes but some of the sound effects can become annoying

Home is Where One Starts

Home is Where One Starts

Help a young girl explore the lonely countryside around her childhood home when she misses her bus to school. Although very short, Home Is Where One Starts is a captivating experience with excellent narration and interesting environments. The short length along with the absence of puzzles or action means it won’t appeal to everyone, but players who enjoy more relaxing titles like Gone Home or Dear Esther will feel right at home.

Gameplay: The walking speed of the protagonist is a little slow and the gameworld small, but exploring it is interesting.

Graphics: The visuals are quite beautiful, but some objects lack detail when viewed up close.

Sound: The soundtrack is excellent and the voice acting superb

Jets’n’Guns Gold

Jets’n’Guns Gold

Despite not being a new release Jets’n’Guns Gold is still able to go toe to toe with newer titles. The action is relentless and the sheer amount of enemies and levels is quite amazing considering the low price tag. This is not an easy game, but persevere and it will have you hooked for hours.

Gameplay: Old school side scrolling shooter done right.

Graphics: Colourful and chaotic.

Sound: Energetic soundtrack with plenty of sound effects to back up the action

Girls Like Robots

Girls Like Robots

Girls Like Robots is a deceptively simple looking puzzle game with very addictive gameplay. The game constantly introduces new characters or objectives to keep things fresh and the charming visual style is very easy on the eyes. It is a whimsical title, but one that is very enjoyable and comes highly recommended for all puzzle fans.

Gameplay: A very unique entry in the puzzle genre.

Graphics: Charming and colorful.

Sound: Who knew an old time, string band soundtrack could be this good

Blowy Fish

Blowy Fish

Blowy Fish is a casual game that is extremely simple, but very fun to play. It loses none of its charm on PC and controlling it with a mouse is just as straightforward as it was on touch screen devices. The visuals are nothing special, but the ability to customize your blowfish with all kinds of outfits is a nice touch, while the upbeat soundtrack fits the goofy feel of the game. The game is also addictive enough that intending to play for a minute or two can quickly turn into an hour or two!

Gameplay: The game is a straightforward mobile port, but one that still offers plenty of fun on PC.

Graphics: Simple, but very charming.

Sound: Although compromised of creative commons tunes, the soundtrack is very upbeat and catchy

Reverse Crawl (Nerdook Productions)

Reverse Crawl (Nerdook Productions)

Fans eager to find out what Nerdook Productions have been up to since the release of Vertical Drop Heroes HD last year should mark September 24th on their calendars. This is the date that Reverse Crawl will be hitting both Steam and the Humble Store. It is a game that turns the tables by giving you the opportunity to be the dungeon instead of the heroes

Deadfall Adventures

Deadfall Adventures

Deadfall Adventures is not without its flaws, but overall it is a solid and enjoyable game with some nice locations and tricky puzzles. There is nothing here that hasn’t already been done before, but it blends all the elements together for an action packed experience that isn’t afraid to tax your grey matter either. Hopefully this isn’t the last time we join the adventures of James Lee Quatermain.

Gameplay: A nice mixture of action and puzzle solving.

Graphics: Exotic locations and great attention to detail.

Sound: The voice acting could have been better, but the music and sound effects are solid

Fate Tectonics

Fate Tectonics

Fate Tectonics challenges you to assemble a thriving world, one tile at a time, but with a whole pantheon of angry fates breathing down your neck. Fail to appease them all and you might see all your hard work undone, but if you manage the juggling act your world will thrive. With its charming pixel art visuals and epic 16-bit soundtrack, Fate Tectonics is a game not to be missed. It is accessible enough to start playing in minutes, but making progress requires some real strategic thinking.

Graphics: The pixel art visuals look great and are friendly towards players with color blindness.

Sound: The dynamic 16-bit soundtrack is a great match for the visual style of the game.

Gameplay: Easy to pick up and play, but very addictive and tricky to master, Fate Tectonics can keep you hooked for ages