Arcade Spirits

Arcade Spirits

Arcade Spirits is a visual novel that is packed with romance, great writing and plenty of nostalgia for anyone who grew up practically living in arcades during the eighties. It features a diverse cast of characters that are all interesting enough that you want to spend more time getting to know them. The story is perhaps not the most original, but it still managed to draw us in and keep us interested right to the very end. It is also one of the most inclusive visual novels that we have played, but nothing about it feels forced or tacked on, which is even better. If you love visual novels and want something a little different from the usual fare, then Arcade Spirits is highly recommended.

Gameplay: Plenty of choices that actually matter and a very engaging storyline to keep you hooked.

Graphics: Bright and colorful with plenty of backdrops and great character designs.

Sound: The synthwave soundtrack is great and the voice acting even better

Psyvariar Delta

Psyvariar Delta

Psyvariar Delta is not just a brand new version of the arcade classic, but also comes packed with high definition remakes of Psyvariar Medium Unit as well as Psyvariar Revision. In addition, it comes with a slew of addition content that makes these titles more fun to play than ever before. It’s not the best looking bullet hell shooter by far, but thanks to buzz system, that sees you trying to skirt as close as possible to the deadly bullets you are supposed to dodge, it is definitely one of the most exciting. This mechanic also provides the game with a lot more depth than what is initially apparent, so there is definitely value for money here despite the higher than usual price tag. If you are a fan of the genre or still have fond memories of the original games, then Psyvariar Delta is an essential purchase.

Gameplay: A bullet hell shooter where you still have to dodge bullets, but if you want to level up you must do it in the most reckless way possible.

Graphics: The visuals are a definite improvement over the original titles, but still looks a little plain compared to more modern offerings.

Sound: The soundtrack is excellent and the sound effects pretty good too

>observer_ Will Soon Be Available On Nintendo Switch

>observer_ Will Soon Be Available On Nintendo Switch

Bloober Team, the Polish indie studio who impressed us with their horror title, Layers of Fear back in 2016 and then followed it up with the cyberpunk noir thriller, >observer_, in 2017. Although >observer_ already caused a stir on PC, Xbox One, and PS4, Nintendo Switch owners will finally have a chance to see what the fuss is all about

Serment – Contract with a Devil

Serment – Contract with a Devil

Serment is an interesting hybrid of visual novel, dungeon crawling and dating sim style management elements. It actually ties all of these genres together nicely, but the dungeon crawling definitely takes center stage. You do get to choose between four different heroines and all of the dungeons are hand crafted instead of procedurally generated. The fact that you are on a strict time limit to earn enough cash to pay back the devil who resurrected you can make it feel like you are forced to fight in the dungeons most of the time. However, the game does give you the freedom to continue playing after completing the main story.

Gameplay: Plenty of dungeon crawling along with some visual novel segments and even a bit of dating sim style time management.

Graphics: Beautiful character designs and backgrounds, but the dungeons look a bit bland in comparison.

Sound: The game features no voice acting and the music is decent, but unmemorable

Ammobox Studios Launches GoFundMe Campaign For Legal Battle Against Rogue Publisher

Ammobox Studios Launches GoFundMe Campaign For Legal Battle Against Rogue Publisher

Early in January of this year, something very strange happened to Eximius: Seize The Frontline on Steam. Users who opened the Steam store page for this unique first person shooter / real-time strategy hybrid found that the game could no longer be purchased. It turned out that the reason for this was that the developers of the game, Ammobox Studios, were forced to issue a DMCA Notice to their own game

Godhood by Abbey Games

Godhood by Abbey Games

It has been a while since we’ve seen a good god game, but Abbey Games plan on changing that with the upcoming release of Godhood. The Dutch studio has already proven themselves with games like Reus and Renowned Explorers, but Godhood looks like it will be their most ambitious title yet. Although the base game has already been funded and on course for an Early Access release in May 2019, Abbey Games launched a Kickstarter campaign today to provide it with even more depth

Unruly Heroes

Unruly Heroes

Unruly Heroes is a gorgeous looking 2D action platformer that is loosely based on the Chinese epic, Journey to the West. It gives you control over a motley crew of four characters as they travel the land in search of the sacred scroll that will restore balance to their world. Unfortunately, the controls are not always responsive, which means this is a game that often looks better than it plays. However, it still features plenty of clever touches and variety, which elevates it above a lot of other games in the genre. It’s not the easiest game out there, but it’s definitely worth sticking with it to the end.

Gameplay: Unresponsive controls mar the experience slightly, but it is still a great game.

Graphics: Everything about the art and visuals is top notch.

Sound: Not the best voice acting, but the music is very good

Sekai Project & Nkt Studio Bringing Serment – Contract With a Devil To Steam

Sekai Project & Nkt Studio Bringing Serment – Contract With a Devil To Steam

A while ago we published the news that Sekai Project will be bringing Wabisabi to Steam this year, but it is by no means the only project that they have in the works. The latest game joining their roster on Steam will be Serment – Contract with a Devil, a visual novel – dungeon crawler hybrid from Nkt Studio. Even better, fans don’t have to wait very long for it either as it is scheduled for release on Friday, February 1, 2019 at a price of $14.99 USD. As an added incentive to grab the game during the launch period, it will feature a 20% discount for the first week of sale

Citrouille

Citrouille

It is easy to mistake Citrouille for a casual game because of the adorable visuals, but players who underestimate it are in for a shock. This game feels like it was ripped straight out of an ’80s arcade and given a brand new lick of paint. Citrouille is best played with a friend in co-op, but it is a lot of fun even on your own and definitely a hidden gem.

Gameplay: The game is tough as nails but easy to pick up and play.

Graphics: Everything from the designs to the animations is superb.

Sound: The tunes are good, and the sound effects are more than decent

Glass Masquerade Is Making Its Way To Consoles This February

Glass Masquerade Is Making Its Way To Consoles This February

February is not just the month of love, but also the month when console owners will finally be able to get their hands on the relaxing stained-glass puzzler, Glass Masquerade. The game has already been garnering rave reviews on Steam since late 2018, so it’s about time that players on PS4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One can join in on the fun