Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty

Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty

Abe is back in a game that goes above and beyond the typical “high definition” upgrade other classic titles have received. The game stays true to Abe’s Oddysee, on which it is based, but enhances and improves on the original formula in virtually every area. The result is a game that not only looks great, but plays great as well. It is also a game that will appeal to fans of the original as well as new players.

Gameplay: Easier than the original, but still as unique and addictive.

Graphics: The new visuals look incredible and enhances the atmosphere of the game.

Sound: A new (but still fitting) voice for Abe and plenty of great tunes as well as sound effects

Coffin Dodgers (Milky Tea Studios)

Coffin Dodgers (Milky Tea Studios)

It is hard not to crack a smile while knocking old people off their mobility scooters as you dodge U.F.Os and zombies in a bright, cartoony setting. It sounds horrifying, I know, but then again Coffin Dodgers is a game that doesn’t take itself very seriously. This kart racer is currently available on Steam Early Access and pits seven retirement village residents in a race to the death against the Grim Reaper himself

Rising World (JIW-Games)

Rising World (JIW-Games)

After the success of Doom, every new game released with a first person perspective and guns were quickly labeled “Doom clones” despite whatever other merits they might have had. Thankfully people soon realized how stupid this practice was and instead recognized the first person shooter as a genre. However, here we are, many years later and every open world sandbox game with crafting involved is labeled as a “Minecraft clone.” Dismissing Rising World this way would be a mistake though, as despite the fact that the game is still in early access, it is already showing a lot of promise

The Deer God

The Deer God

The Deer God challenges you to live life as a deer while atoning for the sins you committed as a human hunter. Don’t expect to spend your days peacefully grazing though, the game is a puzzle platformer at heart and you will have to fight hostile creatures while performing quests. The 3D pixel art visuals are a definite highlight and despite the combat the game has quite a relaxing atmosphere. It might fall short of living up to its full potential, but The Deer God is still well worth checking out.

Gameplay: Gallop and double jump through different environments while solving puzzles and performing fetch quests.

Graphics: The 3D pixel art visuals really make this game stand out from the crowd.

Sound: Nice sound effects and a very fitting soundtrack

Compulsion Games Announces We Happy Few

Compulsion Games Announces We Happy Few

After the release of Contrast way back in 2013, things have been rather quiet from Compulsion Games. The developers have finally broken their silence though to announce their latest title, We Happy Few. Apparently they have been hard at work on the game since early 2014 and judging by the trailer it has been time well spent

Contrast

Contrast

The visual style drew us to Contrast, but the clever puzzles and wonderful atmosphere kept us playing. Each new location was genuinely interesting to explore, and the concept of switching between 3D and 2D planes means you have to think out of the box sometimes. After release, the game also received a major patch that fixed most of the launch issues, resulting in an entertaining and memorable experience.

Gameplay: Switching between 3D and 2D to solve puzzles is a unique and interesting twist.

Graphics: The locations are larger than life and very memorable.

Sound: The game features great voice acting and a stellar soundtrack

Oscura: Lost Light

Oscura: Lost Light

Oscura: Lost Light is a nice, solid platformer with eye-catching visuals and challenging gameplay. The level designs, in particular, are very good, and the puzzles never become tedious. The abundance of checkpoints and unlimited lives also cuts down on frustration. Overall, Oscura is a great game for fans of the genre, but it doesn’t have anything unique to really draw players who would not normally try out platformers.

Gameplay: The game is entertaining and challenging without becoming frustrating or tedious.

Graphics: The silhouette visual style might not be as fresh as it used to be, but it still looks good in Oscura.

Sound: The background music remains firmly in the background without really standing out

Isbarah

Isbarah

Isbarah is not a game to approach if you are looking for an easy challenge or rewards that you don’t have to work hard to earn. The game requires quick reflexes, plenty of practice and a lot of dedication to master. It is definitely rewarding though, and taking down bosses many times your own size while they are covering the screen in projectiles is quite a rush. It is not for the faint of heart, but if you are up for the challenge you simply must try out the game.

Gameplay: The blend of platforming and bullet hell works brilliantly.

Graphics: Beautiful 2D art with excellent character designs.

Audio: Adrenaline pumping tunes.

A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build

A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build

A Good Snowman Is Hard To Build is a thoroughly entertaining and charming puzzle title suitable for players of all ages. The beautiful 2D visuals and excellent audio complement the addictive puzzle-solving gameplay, which makes for a memorable experience. We would have liked to see a few more puzzles to solve because the ones on offer are so enjoyable. Overall, it is the perfect game for when you feel like something relaxing and non-violent.

Gameplay: The game is challenging and addictive without being frustrating or unfair.

Graphics: The game features charming visuals with plenty of great touches.

Sound: The soundtrack is great, as are the ambient sound effects

Pixel Puzzles 2: Birds

Pixel Puzzles 2: Birds

Decaying Logic definitely didn’t rest on their laurels with this one as it improves on its predecessors in numerous areas. The ability to rotate puzzle pieces allows for a greater challenge and the auto-save feature for individual puzzles is definitely helpful. Other additions, such as the bottom tray, zoom feature and increased area for floating puzzle pieces also adds to the enjoyment.

Gameplay. A return to the calm and relaxing atmosphere of Pixel Puzzles: Japan, but now with an even bigger challenge.

Graphics: Great if you are a fan of birds.

Sounds: Tranquil and relaxing audio.


Buy Pixel Puzzles 2: Birds From Green Man Gaming

Pixel Puzzles 2: Birds