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Strategy fans can look forward to The Bot Squad: Puzzle Battles hitting the App Store and Google Play on October 16 2014. This new free-to-play strategy game from Ubisoft promises a mix of classic Puzzle and Tower Defense gameplay. Both genres have traditionally fared well on smartphones and tablets, but it is not often that they are combined
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PC Game Reviews
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter offers the perfect blend of immersive storytelling, atmospheric music and jaw dropping visuals. The gameworld is not just beautiful, but also compelling to explore. I would have loved it if the world was a bit more interactive and the whole experience slightly longer, but overall the game delivers on all its promises. It is also best experienced without knowing exactly what you are getting yourself into, so don’t be tempted into ruining any surprise for yourself before playing.
Gameplay: The supernatural talents of the protagonist allows for some interesting, but not too taxing, puzzle solving.
Graphics: The use of photogrammetry technology means that the game looks phenomenally detailed.
Sound: The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful although the voice acting has a few rough patches
PC Game Reviews
There’s no denying that Kraven Manor can be completed rather quickly, but it packs a lot of scares into its short runtime. The story could probably have benefited from it being fleshed out a little bit more, but the creepy antagonist and sinister atmosphere of the manor itself makes for a memorable experience. The game doesn’t go overboard with the scares, but knows how to mess with you which makes for a startling experience, at least the first time through.
Graphics: Nice visuals and excellent use of light.
Sound: Great audio and creepy sound effects.
Gameplay. Creepy and absorbing, but a little too short for my liking
PC Game Reviews
Cloud Chamber is more of an experience than a game in the traditional sense, but this doesn’t make it any less compelling. The story might be fictional, but includes plenty of references to real science which makes for fascinating viewing depending on how keen you are on the subject. Due to the massively multiplayer aspect of the game your experience will depend on the other players, but even if you opt not to take part in the discussions you can still enjoy the story on your own.
Gameplay: No gameplay in the traditional sense, but still plenty to see and discuss with other players.
Graphics: The videos are believable and the 3D landscapes quite impressive.
Sound: Good acting and a brilliant soundtrack help immerse you in the experience
PC Game Reviews
The interesting visuals and surreal atmosphere of Back to Bed are highlights, but the gameplay is also quite addictive. It is not as challenging as some other titles in the genre, but there is some added longevity in the form of a “Nightmare” mode. The puzzle-solving is relatively straightforward despite the odd landscapes, but overall, the game is very enjoyable and well worth the meager asking price.
Gameplay: Back to Bed features some nice brainteasers, but the timed elements can be frustrating.
Graphics: The visuals in Back to Bed are surrealistic, to say the least.
Sound: The music and sound effects fit the dreamlike atmosphere of the game perfectly
PC Game Reviews
Don’t let the fact that The Room was originally an iOS title scare you away from this excellent puzzle adventure. The developers have gone the extra mile to enhance the visuals and tighten the controls for this PC release, all while keeping the price very reasonable. The game looks and sounds fantastic, and it is only the short time it takes to complete, holding it back from a better score. Still, there is minimal padding here, and the game offers a compelling experience from start to finish.
Gameplay: The Room features engrossing puzzle-solving from start to finish.
Graphics: The visuals in the game are superbly detailed.
Sound: The audio in The Room is atmospheric and fitting
PC Game Reviews
If you value interesting dialogue and moral choices more than loot gathering and monster slaying then you will enjoy Unrest. The game dares to do things a bit differently and for the most it works quite well. The lack of puzzles or any real combat means that the pace of the game is very slow, but just like a good book you will want to know what is going to happen next once you are hooked.
Gameplay: The focus is very much on the story, so action junkies might become bored of all the reading.
Graphics: The hand-painted visuals give the game an unique look.
Sound: Outstanding tunes, but no speech
PC Game Reviews
Wazhack is a game that kept us busy for hours, most of which was spent dying and retrying. It is a very difficult game, but with a good strategy and plenty of luck you will get far. The permanent death ensures that you stay on your toes at all times, and the procedural levels ensure plenty of replay value. There is also a wealth of characters to choose from, each with their own unique skills and weaknesses.
Gameplay: A strategic dungeon crawler, that is tough as nails, but very rewarding.
Graphics: The rendered backgrounds and 3D character models make for an interesting mix.
Sound: Subtle enough that you can play the game for hours without the music becoming annoying
