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

NEKOPARA Vol. 0

NEKOPARA Vol. 0

Since Nekopara Vol. 0 is a fandisc, it is much shorter than Vol. 1. Instead of a big story or any startling revelations it also just focusses on a single day in the lives of the catgirls of the Minaduki household. The writing is entertaining, and the visuals top notch, but anyone not already swayed by the charms of Nekopara Vol. 1 will probably wonder what the fuss is all about.

Gameplay: Still a kinetic visual novel, but now with the option to pet the girls.

Graphics: Another great demonstration of the E-mote system in action.

Sound: Once again the quality of the voice acting is very good

Marble Muse

Marble Muse

Marble Muse is a deceptively simple-looking game, but thanks to the challenging controls and excellent level layouts, it is actually quite addictive. It might only feature 24 levels, but the additional challenges and secrets definitely boost the replay value. Players looking for something casual but with a bit of a challenge shouldn’t miss out on this game.

Gameplay: The game features well-designed boards and addictive gameplay.

Graphics: Although not stellar, the visuals look decent enough.

Sound: The upbeat audio is a good match for the gameplay

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

Nihilumbra

Nihilumbra

Nihilumbra is one of those games that is hard to put down once you start playing. The stylish hand painted visuals along with some excellent creature designs give the game a visual flair of its own while the brilliant narration and moody soundtrack sucks you into the gameworld. Things start off deceptively easy but, once you unlock Void mode, you better be prepared to put all your skills to the test.

Gameplay: A charming mixture of platforming and puzzle solving.

Graphics: The hand painted visuals are stylish and enhances the atmosphere.

Sound: Brilliant narration and a moody soundtrack

Knightmare Tower

Knightmare Tower

In this entertaining and action-packed game, players must break through ceilings, rescue princesses, and escape boiling lava. The gameplay is polished to a fine sheen and will keep you busy until you have conquered the tower and unlocked every item. The only problem is that afterward, you will be left wanting more.

Gameplay: The game is very accessible and very, very addictive, but the lack of mouse support is puzzling.

Graphics: The visuals are colorful and feature plenty of humorous designs.

Sound: Knightmare Tower boasts an excellent soundtrack by Hyperduck Soundworks

East Tower – Kurenai Now Available On Steam

East Tower – Kurenai Now Available On Steam

The fourth and final title in the East Tower series by roseVeRte is now available on Steam. Like the previous three titles, East Tower – Kurenai is a romance mystery visual novel based around a virtual game attraction. As Kurenai is the conclusion to the series and reveals the secret behind the “Dream World” it is recommended that players who have yet to play the previous titles in the series do so first

GAUGE

GAUGE

Gauge is extremely simple to play, but that is precisely why it is so addictive. Anyone can instantly learn how to play the game, but achieving the big scores requires focus and concentration. This is easier said than done, as the game actively tries to break your concentration and mess with your eyes. The psychedelic visuals can cause quite an eye strain, so this game is best played in short bursts, but overall, it is a lot of fun.

Gameplay: Gauge is very simple but surprisingly addictive and challenging.

Graphics: The visuals are incredibly psychedelic and not recommended for anyone with an epileptic condition.

Sound: The electronic music and sound effects fit the game perfectly

Full Bore

Full Bore

Full Bore is a sprawling adventure with plenty of puzzle based challenges to tackle while you are exploring. Apart from a few rare instances you are not racing against a clock or facing any type of enemies so you can progress at your own pace. Some players may find the experience too sedate while others will be hooked by the fascinating gameworld and tricky puzzles.

Gameplay: A block based puzzler with some very clever challenges.

Graphics: Lovely pixel art with some great animations and lighting effects.

Sound: An excellent glitch/blues soundtrack rounds off the package

DuckTales: Remastered

DuckTales: Remastered

Wayforward definitely handled this remastered version with the respect that it deserves. The updated visuals look fantastic and the audio sounds great. It was also very nostalgic to hear the original voice actor for Scrooge reprising his role after all these years. If you loved the original you will have a blast with this one, but newcomers might wonder what all the fuss is about.

Gameplay: Very true to the original.

Graphics: The new character sprites are awesome, but I would have liked 2D backgrounds as well.

Sound: Nice renditions of the classic tunes