Dear Esther

Dear Esther

Dear Esther is definitely more of an “experience” than a game which makes it very hard to review it objectively. Some people are going to love the thought provoking subject matter, while others will wander around aimlessly looking for something to do. One thing is for sure, you cannot enter this experience expecting everything is going to be laid out for you in an easy to understand manner. The visuals are beautiful, but they are just part of the narrative. Definitely destined to be a love/hate title.

Gameplay: Pretty much a two hour stroll on a beautiful island.

Graphics: Gorgeous and dripping with atmosphere.

Sound: The voice acting is good and the music is hauntingly beautiful

Tiny Thief

Tiny Thief

Tiny Thief is definitely worth checking out, especially if you don’t have access to a mobile device. The charming visuals and interesting scenes will suck you in and the puzzles will ensure that you have fun without getting bored. I had a lot of fun with this game and absolutely recommend it, especially if you can pick it up in a good sale.

Gameplay: Not too taxing, but loads of fun.

Graphics: Cute, papercraft style visuals.

Sound: Loads of sound effects bring the gameworld to life

Girls Like Robots

Girls Like Robots

Girls Like Robots is a deceptively simple looking puzzle game with very addictive gameplay. The game constantly introduces new characters or objectives to keep things fresh and the charming visual style is very easy on the eyes. It is a whimsical title, but one that is very enjoyable and comes highly recommended for all puzzle fans.

Gameplay: A very unique entry in the puzzle genre.

Graphics: Charming and colorful.

Sound: Who knew an old time, string band soundtrack could be this good

Blowy Fish

Blowy Fish

Blowy Fish is a casual game that is extremely simple, but very fun to play. It loses none of its charm on PC and controlling it with a mouse is just as straightforward as it was on touch screen devices. The visuals are nothing special, but the ability to customize your blowfish with all kinds of outfits is a nice touch, while the upbeat soundtrack fits the goofy feel of the game. The game is also addictive enough that intending to play for a minute or two can quickly turn into an hour or two!

Gameplay: The game is a straightforward mobile port, but one that still offers plenty of fun on PC.

Graphics: Simple, but very charming.

Sound: Although compromised of creative commons tunes, the soundtrack is very upbeat and catchy

Type:Rider

Type:Rider

The unique concept of Type:Rider immediately caught our attention, and thankfully, the gameplay was up to scratch as well. It takes a while to get used to the controls, as controlling two dots can be challenging, but the excellent levels and stylish visuals will suck you in. While not a very long game, there is some replay value, and you might also learn something about typography along the way.

Gameplay: The game is a blast to play once you get used to the controls.

Graphics: Type:Rider features stylish visuals and a great art direction.

Sound: The audio matches the gameplay and visuals perfectly

Rage Runner

Rage Runner

Rage Runner is quite a challenging title and, as the name implies, it can be frustrating at times. Having to weave your way through obstacles at high speeds while changing the orientation of your craft takes some practice and completing all nine of the levels is quite an achievement. If you are looking for a 3D runner that will really test your skills you should try Rage Runner.

Gameplay: Quick reflexes and some trial-and-error is required, but overall this is an addictive and challenging title.

Graphics: Good, but not too distracting.

Sound: Depends on whether you like dubstep or not

Little Inferno

Little Inferno

While Little Inferno is not a game in the strictest sense of the word, it does provide a very interesting experience. There isn’t much of a challenge beyond finding the correct combination of things to burn, but the eerie story and polished visuals might just suck you in. Perfect for those cold winter evenings.

Gameplay: Simple but strangely relaxing.

Graphics: Stylish and polished.

Sound: Very eerie

KAMI

KAMI

KAMI is a puzzle game that challenges your brain and not your reflexes, making it quite relaxing to play. The visual design is very nice with realistic looking paper textures, but the game isn’t lacking in the gameplay department either. The 63 puzzles can be completed in a day or two, but the lower price point make it a worthwhile purchase if you are a puzzle fan looking for a fresh challenge.

Gameplay: Challenging without becoming too frustrating.

Graphics: The handcrafted look of the visuals is very easy on the eyes.

Sound: Sparse, but very relaxing

Flight Control HD

Flight Control HD

If you haven’t already had enough of this game on mobile devices now is your chance to experience it on your PC. It is quite an addictive game if played in short bursts, although once you have gotten all the achievements and topped the leaderboards there isn’t much left to do besides chase your own highscores.

Gameplay: Easy to grasp, but things become tricky very quickly.

Graphics: Looks good in high definition.

Sound: Very little in the way of music and sound effects

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