Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily

Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily

Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily is a hidden object game with some interesting clue hunting scenes and a story that, for once, isn’t steeped in the paranormal. It is however also a very short game and can be completed with ease by anyone familiar with the genre. Provided you don’t mind the lack of challenge there is still fun to be had with the game, but unfortunately there is nothing really remarkable about it.

Gameplay: Hunting for clues and not just hidden objects is a nice feature.

Graphics: The locations are detailed, but a little limited.

Sound: Average music and the voice acting could also have been better in spots

Sonicomi

Sonicomi

Step into the shoes of a gravure photographer and help the adorable model Sonico to kick-start her career. Sonicomi is more than just a typical visual novel as it also places a camera in your hands and requires you to take photos of Sonico according to the briefs of clients. Thanks to 18 different endings, interesting characters and a multitude of clothing options for the shoots the game has more than enough replay value to keep players busy for ages.

Gameplay: An interesting mix of visual novel and 3D photography scenes.

Graphics: Sonico is the only 3D model in the game, but she looks great and has plenty of charm.

Sound: Good music and sound effects along with two different voice actress options for Sonico

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

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

Sakura Dungeon

Sakura Dungeon

Sakura Dungeon offers a nice fusion of traditional step based dungeon crawling and the manga visual style that has made developer Winged Cloud (in)famous. Despite all the erotic content (mostly censored in the Steam version) the game doesn’t skimp on the role playing elements either. It might not be as in-depth or complicated as other dungeon crawlers, but definitely offers a fun and compelling experience.

Gameplay: Explore dungeons, defeat cute monster girls and then recruit them to your party.

Graphics: The 2D visuals look great despite the lack of animations.

Sound: Great music, but limited sound effects and no voice acting

Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride

Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride

Face dangerous creatures and evil spirits in this engaging hidden object game from Artifex Mundi. The game features their trademark polish when it comes to visuals and presentation, but the story is actually very good as well. It features 14 hidden object scenes to complete, but these can be substituted for a domino mini-game if players prefer. Add to that 24 varied mini-games and plenty of interesting locations to explore and you’ll find that this is an adventure not to be missed.

Gameplay: Nothing too out of the ordinary for the genre, but the domino mini-game is a nice touch.

Graphics: Beautiful hand-painted locations with plenty of detail and nice use of color.

Sound: Decent voice acting and a great soundtrack

Mythic Wonders: The Philosopher’s Stone

Mythic Wonders: The Philosopher’s Stone

Join Emma as she searches for her missing uncle in a couple of elemental based realms while outwitting the guardian that is intent on stopping her. Mythic Wonders: The Philosopher’s Stone features great visuals and entertaining puzzles as well as decent hidden object scenes that make up for the rather generic storyline. Thanks to the robust customization options it is also an adventure that can be enjoyed no matter what your skill level is.

Gameplay: The puzzles are enjoyable and the hidden object scenes well done.

Graphics: Beautiful hand drawn visuals that show a lot of imagination.

Sound: The soundtrack is quite enjoyable, but the voice acting is average at best

Tibetan Quest: Beyond the World’s End

Tibetan Quest: Beyond the World’s End

Travel to Shangri-La and find your missing niece in this hidden object game from Brave Giant LTD. It doesn’t have much to offer that is new in terms of gameplay and story, but remains enjoyable throughout. The setting is interesting and the polished visuals as well as atmospheric audio make up for the lack of challenge.

Gameplay: Not much of a challenge, but still fun.

Graphics: Definitely not a realistic depiction of Tibet, but the visuals are detailed and polished.

Sound: Nice music and great sound effects

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