Journal

Journal

Journal is an enjoyable experience as long as you don’t expect too much from it. There are no puzzles or interaction, but the storyline was engrossing enough to keep me hooked to the end. While Journal is quite a short experience it does cover a lot of topics not usually found in a game. It is hard to recommend this title to players looking for a traditional game, but personally I found it to be thought provoking.

Gameplay: Very little interaction beyond talking to people.

Graphics: The hand painted visuals fit the style and the story of the game.

Sound: The soundtrack is pretty moving and the voice acting decent

How to Take Off Your Mask

How to Take Off Your Mask

How To Take Off Your Mask is an otome game with a cast of likeable characters, an interesting scenario and plenty of humorous moments. It also features a couple of choices that branches the storyline, which along with the Steam Achievements, adds to the replay value. The writing is also good enough to draw in players who are not normally into otome titles, but check out the free demo first to see what the game has to offer.

Gameplay: Fairly linear, but well written and with a branching storyline.

Graphics: The game features charming visuals with plenty of detail for each character.

Sound: The soundtrack is great and the game also features full Japanese voice acting

Continue?9876543210

Continue?9876543210

I didn’t quite know what to expect from Continue but I certainly enjoyed the experience. The game might seem a little pretentious, but it handles mature themes in an interesting manner and managed to keep me hooked right to the bitter end. It is not often that a game challenges players to confront their own mortality, but I think Continue has pulled it off admirably.

Gameplay: A game that challenges you to think instead of just testing your reflexes.

Graphics: Moody and atmospheric in a retro kind of way.

Sound: A brilliant soundtrack with good sound effects

A-Men

A-Men

It will take a while to conquer the 40 levels of platform puzzles in A-Men, but it is worth it if you are up for a challenge. The gameplay feels like something out of the 16bit era, but with a nice coat of modern paint. While some players might relish the challenge, it is also bound to frustrate those blessed with less patience.

Gameplay: This is not a bad choice if you are in the mood for a challenging puzzle platformer.

Graphics: Old-school 2D visuals with a unique style.

Sound: The music isn’t too bad, but the voice acting can be a bit hit or miss

A Story About My Uncle

A Story About My Uncle

A Story About My Uncle is a unique game that offers plenty of heart-stopping moments, even though there is nothing to kill and no violence. Instead, you traverse some beautiful locations using an energy beam-style grappling hook. Unfortunately, the game is a little on the short side, but it makes up for it with extras and bonuses that increase its longevity. The game is quite an achievement, considering the small team that made it, and it should definitely be high on your wish list.

Gameplay: The feel of grappling over yawning chasms is exhilarating.

Graphics: The game features beautiful visuals and some breathtaking locations.

Sound: The audio is great, although the voice acting sometimes sounds a bit off

Ultima 7: The Black Gate

Ultima 7: The Black Gate

This might just be one of the best Role Playing experiences ever created by Origin Systems. A huge world to explore and interact with and hundreds of characters to talk to. The scope of this quest is vast and this significantly raises the ante for future role playing games.

Gameplay: A vast world to explore with tons of things to see and do.

Graphics: A big step up from Ultima 6.

Sound: Not bad considering how long you will spend listening to the tunes

To the Moon

To the Moon

Light on gameplay but heavy on story, To The Moon, had us hooked right from the start and never once let go until the end. The retro visuals do not detract from the experience, and the emotional soundtrack will stay with you long after the end credits have rolled. This is one of those games that proves why you do not need a huge budget to tell a great story.

Gameplay: Admittedly, it is little more than a visual novel, but this does not detract from the experience.

Graphics: The game features 16-bit retro-style visuals.

Sound: To The Moon impresses with its hauntingly beautiful piano tunes

Submerged

Submerged

Submerged provides a relaxing and compelling experience without requiring quick reflexes or lateral thinking. Some players will find this boring and repetitive, while others will revel in the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful environments. Despite the climbing and exploration Submerged is closer to titles such as Dear Esther instead of Assassins Creed, but it is definitely something fans of the genre will enjoy.

Gameplay: Submerged offers a stress-free and tranquil experience that is devoid of combat or puzzles.

Graphics: The water and lighting effects are great, and the environments look downright beautiful at times.

Sound: The haunting soundtrack is a great match for the atmosphere of the game

Runespell: Overture

Runespell: Overture

Runespell: Overture shares many similarities with the Puzzle Quest series, but never quite manages to be as great. It is undeniably addictive and has some great ideas, but can become repetitive and the whole thing ends rather abruptly. Considering the low price tag it is well worth checking out however.

Gameplay: Addictive but can become repetitive.

Graphics: Nice considering the limitations.

Sound: Orchestral soundtrack and great sound effects

Octodad: Dadliest Catch

Octodad: Dadliest Catch

Octodad is one of those games that I just had to play after hearing about the concept and I can say that I was definitely not disappointed. The game loses some of its momentum towards the end due to forced stealth sections but overall it is a blast to play. Grabbing a few friends and playing the co-op mode where everyone is given a different limb to control is also a definite highlight.

Gameplay: Mix tricky controls with a physics engine and watch the ensuing hilarity.

Graphics: Charming and colorful.

Sound: Pretty good overall