Soulcalibur

Soulcalibur

It is really great to play SoulCalibur again, and the game is as fun as ever, but it also lacks some of the original Dreamcast content. The loss of mission mode, lack of online multiplayer and black bars on either side of the screen brings the score down a bit, but the gameplay is intact. SoulCalibur was one of the best weapon-based brawlers of the Dreamcast era and is still a nice addition to anyone’s library.

Gameplay: Still a great game even with the cut content.
Graphics: Holds up surprisingly apart from no support for widescreens.
Sound: The audio is still as chaotic as the original

Pure

Pure

Pure is a very underrated game which is a pity as it actually has some solid gameplay and plenty of adrenaline fueled races. You can fly through it if you are not interested in multi-player or achievements, but overall it is a good game.

Gameplay: Fast and frantic with some insane tricks.

Graphics: Detailed environments with stunning vistas and plenty of effects.

Sound: The sound effects are ok, but the voices can become a tad annoying

TECHNOSPHERE RELOAD

TECHNOSPHERE RELOAD

Technosphere Reload is a great looking game, but don’t underestimate the challenge that it has to offer. While it might look like a casual title, completing it will take every ounce of skill and patience that you have. The game requires you to roll a sphere through a gauntlet of maze filled traps while figuring out some puzzles along the way. It will also put your platforming skills to the test, but beware as lives are limited and checkpoints few and far between. This is not a game for the easily frustrated, but it does look great and overcoming the odds that are stacked against you can be very rewarding.

Gameplay: Frequently frustrating and bogged down by needless elements like the energy meter, but rewarding if you can handle the challenge.

Graphics: The visuals look top notch, but can be blinding at times.

Audio: No soundtrack and the sound effects are serviceable at best

Citrouille

Citrouille

It is easy to mistake Citrouille for a casual game because of the adorable visuals, but players who underestimate it are in for a shock. This game feels like it was ripped straight out of an ’80s arcade and given a brand new lick of paint. Citrouille is best played with a friend in co-op, but it is a lot of fun even on your own and definitely a hidden gem.

Gameplay: The game is tough as nails but easy to pick up and play.

Graphics: Everything from the designs to the animations is superb.

Sound: The tunes are good, and the sound effects are more than decent

THE VIDEOKID

THE VIDEOKID

THE VIDEOKID is an addictive and nostalgic homage to the eighties in general and Paperboy in particular. It is a lot more chaotic than Paperboy, though, and you will need quick reflexes if you want to make it to the end of your pirate video tape delivering run. It is a pity that the game only features a single level, but the randomized elements along with the huge amount of pop culture references keeps things entertaining. These cameos can become rather distracting, but that’s all part of the challenge. Considering the low price tag on THE VIDEOKID, there’s no reason not to add it to your collection.

Gameplay: Skate around a wacky eighties neighborhood while delivering pirated VHS tapes.

Graphics: The voxel art style looks great and allowed the developers to insert plenty of pop culture character cameos.

Sound: The soundtrack is nice and so is the sound effects, but things can become a little chaotic

Rocking Pilot

Rocking Pilot

Rocking Pilot enables players to live out their Airwolf fantasies by taking control of a helicopter and laying waste to enemy armies. The game takes the form of a 2D, top down shooter with colorful visuals and arcade style gameplay. Plenty of mission variety and addictive online leaderboards make up for the relatively short campaign mode and the game is addictive enough that you’ll keep coming back until you’ve earned every collectible. Add to this the low price of the game and you have a title that is essential for fans of the genre.

Gameplay: Fast, frantic and very, very addictive.

Graphics: Bright and colorful, albeit a little cramped.

Sound: Features a suitable rocking soundtrack

Virtua Fighter 4

Virtua Fighter 4

Virtua Fighter 4 is aimed squarely at the hardcore fighting brigade so if you do not have the time and patience to devote to this game you will not get your money’s worth. It seems to be a bit more accessible than previous entries, but is unlikely to wow fans of Tekken and Soul Calibur.

Gameplay: A beat ’em up where the focus is purely on the fighting and not the story or other bonus thrills.

Graphics: Pretty good considering its age.

Sound: A mixed bag, but not bad overall

Zombie Runaway

Zombie Runaway

Running and jumping games are fairly common on Android devices so if you are tired of the genre, it is unlikely that Zombie Runaway will have much to offer you. The basic idea of running in a straight line, collecting coins and dodging tombstones is simple but addictive and I found myself constantly trying to beat my own high-score. The game is free so it is worth checking out.

Gameplay: A simple game with some nice ideas.

Graphics: Not bad.

Sound: Only one tune that will drive everyone around you crazy

Fortix

Fortix

Cheap and short but you’ll definitely get value for your money. Fortix is a variation on a age old concept but adds a few nice twists of its own and is the perfect “in-between” time waster. You won’t be spending hours playing it and will probably get most of the achievements on your first play through, but at the price it’s being offered there’s no reason not to pick it up.

Gameplay: A very simple concept, but quite fun.

Graphics: About as Indie as they come, but has a certain charm to it.

Sound: Catchy but limited

Ceramic Destroyer

Ceramic Destroyer

At first glance, Ceramic Destroyer looks like some sort of Puzzle Bobble imitation, but play it for a while and you will soon become hopelessly addicted. There are a ton of levels to conquer and some strategic thinking is actually required to complete the levels. This game would have been great value for money even if it was not free.

Gameplay: Much more addictive than it might appear to be.

Graphics: Basic but very polished.

Sound: Unobtrusive music and great sound effects