NeXus – One Core

NeXus – One Core

It is tough and unforgiving, but NeXus: One Core is also addictive and very rewarding. The solo mode has enough randomized elements and difficulty settings to keep you busy for a while, but it is the local co-op mode where this game truly shines. If you are a fan of the genre you should definitely check out the game, but for players who regularly play local co-op titles this is a must.
Gameplay: Very challenging, but improving your best times through practice is very rewarding.

Graphics: The game looks good, but visual distractions are kept to a minimum.

Gameplay: Some great tunes that really complement the gameplay nicely.

Don’t Be Patchman by Naturally Intelligent

Don’t Be Patchman by Naturally Intelligent

After receiving an email from Naturally Intelligent urging me to not be a Patchman, I had no choice but to check out why this character has such a bad rep. It turns out that Patchman used his celebrity status to help a drone army enslave the Sheeple, normally happy folk who used to live in harmony with nature. Through a bizarre series of events, Patchman dies after eating a vending machine, but is brought back to life by a kind old granny who sewed him back together. Now it will be up to you to help Patchman redeem himself and rescue the Sheeple from the Drone army

Coffin Dodgers (Milky Tea Studios)

Coffin Dodgers (Milky Tea Studios)

It is hard not to crack a smile while knocking old people off their mobility scooters as you dodge U.F.Os and zombies in a bright, cartoony setting. It sounds horrifying, I know, but then again Coffin Dodgers is a game that doesn’t take itself very seriously. This kart racer is currently available on Steam Early Access and pits seven retirement village residents in a race to the death against the Grim Reaper himself

Rising World (JIW-Games)

Rising World (JIW-Games)

After the success of Doom, every new game released with a first person perspective and guns were quickly labeled “Doom clones” despite whatever other merits they might have had. Thankfully people soon realized how stupid this practice was and instead recognized the first person shooter as a genre. However, here we are, many years later and every open world sandbox game with crafting involved is labeled as a “Minecraft clone.” Dismissing Rising World this way would be a mistake though, as despite the fact that the game is still in early access, it is already showing a lot of promise

The Deer God

The Deer God

The Deer God challenges you to live life as a deer while atoning for the sins you committed as a human hunter. Don’t expect to spend your days peacefully grazing though, the game is a puzzle platformer at heart and you will have to fight hostile creatures while performing quests. The 3D pixel art visuals are a definite highlight and despite the combat the game has quite a relaxing atmosphere. It might fall short of living up to its full potential, but The Deer God is still well worth checking out.

Gameplay: Gallop and double jump through different environments while solving puzzles and performing fetch quests.

Graphics: The 3D pixel art visuals really make this game stand out from the crowd.

Sound: Nice sound effects and a very fitting soundtrack

Isbarah

Isbarah

Isbarah is not a game to approach if you are looking for an easy challenge or rewards that you don’t have to work hard to earn. The game requires quick reflexes, plenty of practice and a lot of dedication to master. It is definitely rewarding though, and taking down bosses many times your own size while they are covering the screen in projectiles is quite a rush. It is not for the faint of heart, but if you are up for the challenge you simply must try out the game.

Gameplay: The blend of platforming and bullet hell works brilliantly.

Graphics: Beautiful 2D art with excellent character designs.

Audio: Adrenaline pumping tunes.

Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ

Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ

After the calm experience that was Pixel Puzzles: Japan, I was quite surprised by what Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ had in store for me. The inclusion of zombies that you have to shoot while solving jigsaw puzzles adds a whole new dimension to the game and ensures that there is never a dull moment. Fans of traditional jigsaw puzzles might not agree, but personally we loved the new action oriented elements of the game.

Gameplay: The first ever combination of peaceful jigsaw puzzles, and top down shooter gameplay.

Graphics: Gruesome zombie themed hand-drawn artwork.

Sound: Moody tunes and disturbing sound effects

Goats On A Bridge

Goats On A Bridge

Don’t be fooled by the cute graphics, Goats On A Bridge can easily cause you to rage quit after your hapless goat tumbles off a bridge or roll into a crate it was supposed to jump over, for the umpteenth time. Taking control of two goats at the same time, and then navigating them across an obstacle course is not easy, but it is quite fun. The game is even more entertaining if you can rope in another poor soul to help you with the goats.

Gameplay: The game packs a mean challenge, but it is relatively short.

Graphics: The levels are bright and cartoony, while the already adorable goats can be made even more charming with accessories.

Sound: A couple of nice tunes and the usual wacky assortment of sound effects.

Overture

Overture

Overture is a game that will challenge your reflexes, and often your patience, to the max. Despite the high difficulty, the game remains thoroughly enjoyable and is only let down by some rather generic visuals. The chiptune soundtrack is great though, and provided you aren’t expecting something with a lot of depth it will keep you busy for quite a while.

Gameplay: Fast, frantic and quite challenging, but also very addictive.

Graphics: The generic visuals are not bad, but definitely a little overused at this point.

Sound: The rocking chiptune soundtrack is definitely a highlight

OMG Zombies!

OMG Zombies!

OMG Zombies might look like an arcade shooter at first glance, but it is actually a pretty strategic title. Lining up zombies to create chain reactions and watching the ensuing bloodbath is incredibly addictive. The zombie placement is randomized each time you play, and there are tons of upgrades to unlock, which prevents the game from becoming boring. If you want an entertaining title that offers excellent value for money, then grab yourself a copy of OMG Zombies!

Gameplay: This is a strategic title and an incredibly addictive one at that.

Graphics: The monochromatic visuals are soon painted with buckets of red.

Sound: The game features some moody tunes and plenty of zombie growls and groans