Pixel Puzzles: Japan

Pixel Puzzles: Japan

Pixel Puzzles: Japan offers an interesting twist on the traditional Jigsaw puzzle without the hassle of finding out that you are missing pieces. Things start off very calm but as the pieces multiply the challenge increases considerably. The constantly moving puzzle pieces also make it tricky, but there is no time limit to worry about. About the only annoyance is that you cannot save your progress during a puzzle.

Gameplay: Calm and relaxing, but can become quite challenging as well.

Graphics: Nothing particularly outstanding but decent enough.

Sound: Calm music and the soothing sounds of a Shishi-odoshi (which can be disabled.)

Goats On A Bridge

Goats On A Bridge

Don’t be fooled by the cute graphics, Goats On A Bridge can easily cause you to rage quit after your hapless goat tumbles off a bridge or roll into a crate it was supposed to jump over, for the umpteenth time. Taking control of two goats at the same time, and then navigating them across an obstacle course is not easy, but it is quite fun. The game is even more entertaining if you can rope in another poor soul to help you with the goats.

Gameplay: The game packs a mean challenge, but it is relatively short.

Graphics: The levels are bright and cartoony, while the already adorable goats can be made even more charming with accessories.

Sound: A couple of nice tunes and the usual wacky assortment of sound effects.

Morningstar: Descent to Deadrock

Morningstar: Descent to Deadrock

It might be based on a free Flash game, but the improved visuals and excellent puzzles definitely mean Morningstar: Descent to Deadrock is worth a second look. It has everything you expect from a great sci-fi adventure and remains entertaining throughout. Only the short playing time and uninspiring voice acting let the experience down slightly.

Gameplay: The logical puzzles and interesting setting make this a very entertaining title.

Graphics: The new high-definition visuals are great, albeit a little too static.

Sound: The game features good music and sound effects, but the voice acting could have been better

Overture

Overture

Overture is a game that will challenge your reflexes, and often your patience, to the max. Despite the high difficulty, the game remains thoroughly enjoyable and is only let down by some rather generic visuals. The chiptune soundtrack is great though, and provided you aren’t expecting something with a lot of depth it will keep you busy for quite a while.

Gameplay: Fast, frantic and quite challenging, but also very addictive.

Graphics: The generic visuals are not bad, but definitely a little overused at this point.

Sound: The rocking chiptune soundtrack is definitely a highlight

Tasty Blue

Tasty Blue

Tasty Blue features a very simple idea, but it is done quite well. The amount of difficulty settings makes it a game that can be enjoyed by player of all ages and skill levels. Although it can get repetitive after a while the humor and sheer amount of carnage that you can get up to definitely make it worth a second look. It is also a great game for playing a level or two when you don’t feel like firing up something a bit more demanding or involved.

Gameplay: Simple and repetitive, but quite addictive and entertaining.

Graphics: The 2D visuals are charming and colorful, but rather basic.

Sound: The tunes are nice at first, but there are too few of them and they start to become annoying

Sword Daughter

Sword Daughter

Follow Tyrna the Sword Daughter on a quest that might lead her to vengeance, treasure, glory, death or even love in this adaptation of the original gamebook. Although short, the 22 different endings add a lot of replay value and the game is worth it for the beautiful art style alone. It is a little heavy handed when it comes to romance and some of the story elements definitely shows their age, which is no surprise as the original gamebook was released way back in 1984. Despite its flaws the game is still quite enjoyable and well worth checking out.

Gameplay: The story is straightforward, but has plenty of branching routes and a whopping 22 different endings.

Graphics: The fantasy artwork might not be very animated, but it is quite beautiful.

Sound: Not many tunes, but the ones on offer are very good

Ephemerid: A Musical Adventure

Ephemerid: A Musical Adventure

It might be just as short as the lifespan of a real mayfly, but Ephemerid lives up to its claims of being a musical adventure. The handcrafted visuals are charming, and the soundtrack is something that you will want to listen to again and again. Don’t let its length and the fact that it was originally an iOS title deter you from experiencing this captivating title.

Gameplay: The game is not very challenging, but it will put a smile on your face and is very relaxing.

Graphics: Ephemerid features beautifully handcrafted visuals and plenty of unique scenes.

Sound: The soundtrack is filled with some exceptionally good tunes

The Forest of Doom

The Forest of Doom

The Forest of Doom is a welcome interpretation of a classic adventure gamebook and will definitely be a trip down memory lane for players familiar with the paperback. Newcomers can expect a lot of reading and some trial and error, but the memorable encounters and large number of locations in the forest make it worthwhile. Although the game can be completed relatively quickly it does boast plenty of replay value thanks to the achievements and gallery.

Gameplay: The rules are very straightforward and anyone can start reading and enjoying the adventure.

Graphics: The original illustrations still look great and the overall presentation of the game is very good.

Sound: Nice music, but a few more tunes to provide a bit more variety would have been nice

Gravity Ghost

Gravity Ghost

Gravity Ghost might appear to be a very simple and straightforward game at first, but the more you play it, the deeper it draws you in. Soaring around the levels using the gravitational pull of the planets to your advantage is a great feeling, and we often found ourselves lingering longer on levels than necessary just to soak in the atmosphere. It is a very tranquil and relaxing game with a great story tucked away beneath the surface. If you want to experience a unique title that is not about killing enemies or dying and failing until you succeed, check out Gravity Ghost.

Gameplay: Gravity Ghost is relaxing and entertaining without ever becoming frustrating.

Graphics: The beautiful hand-painted visuals and unique art style set the game apart.

Sound: The soundtrack and voice acting is a perfect match for the tranquil atmosphere of the game

HuniePop

HuniePop

If you are looking for something to be offended by you will find plenty to be outraged about in HuniePop. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a polished and entertaining title that combines a couple of different genres very successfully then you will find that this game is money well spent. Hopefully the developers will flesh out the concept further if they get around to a sequel as there is a lot of potential here.

Gameplay: The puzzle elements are fun and surprisingly strategic, while interacting with the girls is entertaining albeit a little repetitive.

Graphics: Beautifully drawn characters with plenty of clothing and hair variations, but no animations beyond lip synching.

Sound: The professional English voice actresses really bring the characters to life and the soundtrack is rather good too