Lichtspeer

Lichtspeer

If you are looking for a game that is easy to pick up and play, but challenging enough to keep you coming back for more then you’ll get a kick out of Lichtspeer. It only takes one level to learn everything you need to know to stay alive, but thanks to the overwhelming odds against you it never becomes boring. The difficulty ramps up very quickly, but because the game is so addictive you’ll be back after every rage quit.

Gameplay: Easy to pick up and play, but hard to master.

Graphics: The retro futuristic visual style is a nice match for the setting.

Sound: The soundtrack is great and you’ll encounter some hilarious speech samples too

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 owe it to yourself to add this one to your collection.

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

Graphics: The visuals for SteamWorld Heist are detailed, vibrant, and well-animated.

Sound: The game features great sound effects, and the soundtrack is brilliant

Ghost 1.0

Ghost 1.0

Play as a digital ghost with the ability to control androids in this great Metroidvania title from the maker of Unepic. The game challenges you to infiltrate the Nakamura Space Station and uncover its secrets, a quest that will take you through almost 300 rooms. Ghost 1.0 features tight controls, engaging writing, likable characters, and plenty of action, which makes it very easy to recommend to fans of the genre.

Gameplay: Ghost 1.0 is quite challenging at times, but very addictive.

Graphics: The game features detailed visuals and some very nice design elements.

Sound: The soundtrack is excellent, but the voice-acting steals the show

Shmups Skill Test

Shmups Skill Test

Shmups Skill Test is a collection of mini-games that are designed to test how good you are at playing arcade and bullet hell shooters. While this means it doesn’t have as much depth as other titles in the genre, it still provides a nice diversion and a way to hone your skills. Since it is based on a rather old arcade game the visuals are far from cutting edge, but the gameplay and low price tag make up for this. If you think you have mastered the genre, then try out this game to see for sure.

Gameplay: Lots of fun in short bursts, but obviously doesn’t have as much depth as full-fledged shooters.

Graphics: The visuals are definitely showing their age.

Sound: Not your typical shooter soundtrack

Syndrome (Camel 101)

Syndrome (Camel 101)

Looking at the previous releases of developer Camel 101 reveals two things. Firstly, they are definitely not lacking in ambition when it comes to their titles and secondly, they are getting better at what they do with each release. This is very evident in their upcoming release, Syndrome. The game opens with your character waking from cryosleep aboard the exploration and science ship, the Valkenburg. In true survival horror fashion, the shift is drifting through pace with the rest of the crew all dead or insane. You are required to get your bearings, find out what happened and figure out who you can trust

Koihime Enbu

Koihime Enbu

Join the all-female cast of fighters in Koihime Enbu for some great 2D fighting. The character roster is fairly small, but very unique and the game is designed to be accessible to newcomers. However, there is still plenty of depth and experienced players can take the fights to a whole new level. Even if you are not familiar with the source material we recommend the game to anyone looking for a fun, accessible and great looking 2D beat ‘em up.

Gameplay: Deceptively simple, but with enough depth to keep you coming back for more.

Graphics: Great character designs with plenty of detail and colors.

Sound: Full Japanese voice acting and some nice background music

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain -prism memories-

RefRain is a great shooter that strays a little from the usual formula to offer an action packed experience that is based more on skill than luck. Mastering the use of the M.E.F.A2 and Concept Reactor attacks are immensely satisfying and also allows you to play more aggressively. Players used to power-ups and weapon upgrades will find that RefRain has a bit of a learning curve, but this also provides it with more longevity and replay value. Overall, if you are a fan of the genre, then RefRain certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Gameplay: Challenging, but very rewarding when mastered.

Graphics: The designs are a little bland compared to other shooters, but the game is very colorful.

Sound: Features a very fitting electronic soundtrack

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

Prototype 2

Prototype 2

Despite its flaws, Prototype 2 is a action-packed romp that allows you to decimate everything in your sight. While the story is rather weak, there are enough cool powers and crazy moves to keep you interested. If all you crave is some mindless action, then Prototype 2 is your game.

Gameplay: Uppercutting helicopters have never been this much fun.

Graphics: Good, but not great.

Sound: The swearing is a bit OTT, but otherwise the audio is not bad

Dante’s Inferno

Dante’s Inferno

While the XBOX360 has yet to get its own God Of War beater Dante’s Inferno does a damn good job of imitating the antics of Kratos. The action is fast and frantic with some hideous creatures and a interesting story. While those expecting a faithful recreation of the original Poem might not be impressed by what Visceral Games have done to the story, this should not deter you from giving it a go.

Gameplay: Lots of hacking, slashing and a dash of puzzle solving.

Graphics: Hell looks as grim as the poet described it, but also suffers from the usual dull brown and red tones.

Sound: The screams of the damned sound as terrifying as they should