Gryphon Knight Epic

Gryphon Knight Epic

With only eight levels it doesn’t take very long to complete Gryphon Knight Epic, but the game is certainly enjoyable while it lasts. It doesn’t have the speed or overwhelming odds of a bullet hell shooter, but the slower pace still provides a challenge. Add to that the beautiful pixel art visuals and you have a game that all retro fans will enjoy.

Gameplay: The pace is a bit slower than modern side scrolling shooters, but still challenging and enjoyable.

Graphics: Beautiful pixel art visuals with detailed backgrounds and tons of enemy variety.

Sound: Not bad, but not exactly memorable either

Reverse Crawl

Reverse Crawl

Nerdook once again impresses with a title that delivers turn-based strategy in an engaging, humorous and very accessible manner. The visuals are charming, the gameplay addictive and although short, there are enough reasons to replay the game a couple of times. Anyone looking for a turn-based strategy title that can be enjoyed without a degree in military tactics should definitely add Reverse Crawl to their library.

Gameplay: Easy to play, but with enough depth to keep it interesting right to the end.

Graphics: Features the typical charming Nerdook visual style.

Sound: No voice acting, but the music is pleasant enough

Witch Boy Magical Piece by Sekai Project

Witch Boy Magical Piece by Sekai Project

Out now on Kickstarter and in need of some love is Witch Boy Magical Piece from Rosemary House and Sekai Project. In contrast to most of the previous titles from Sekai Project, this localization falls in the Boy’s Love genre. Although already Greenlit by the Steam community, Witch boy Magical Piece is still in need of some serious support on Kickstarter to have a chance of reaching its funding goal

Legends of Solitaire: Curse of the Dragons

Legends of Solitaire: Curse of the Dragons

Legends of Solitaire: Curse of the Dragons is another game that retains all the addictive elements of Solitaire, but mixes in some other cool features as well. The fantasy setting is great as it allows for plenty of varied backgrounds, while the use of items and abilities during levels keeps things interesting. With 400 rounds to conquer this is a game that will keep players hooked for ages.

Gameplay: The game is addictive and poses quite a challenge on the Hard difficulty setting.

Graphics: The widescreen support is nice and the game features tons of backgrounds.

Sound: The soundtrack is relaxing, if a little melancholic, and the voice acting is also quite good

Redshirt

Redshirt

Redshirt is not a game for people that want to jump in and be impressed right away. It takes a while to get used to the interface and what the game expects of you, but once you are hooked it is easy to lose hours. There is a lot of replay value here, but it can feel like a repetitive grind at times. Don’t be fooled by the visuals either as this game requires a lot of strategic planning if you want to survive the perils of being a redshirt.

Gameplay: Keeping track of everything can feel like spinning plates at times.

Graphics: Functional and streamlined.

Sound: Dramatic music and fitting sound effects

Dead Man’s Draw

Dead Man’s Draw

Dead Man’s Draw might be a casual title but don’t expect it to be mindless. After unlocking some traits and making your way through the tournaments you have to think strategically in order to win. The game lacks a multi-player mode, but there is plenty of content to keep you busy.

Gameplay: A card game that mixes luck and strategy in equal measures.

Graphics: Nice visuals and a polished interface.

Sound: Fitting music and some crisp sound effects

A Kiss for the Petals – Remembering How We Met

A Kiss for the Petals – Remembering How We Met

Remembering How We Met is the latest entry in the A Kiss For The Petals franchise and gives English players a chance to see what all the fuss is about. It is an all-ages title, so rather tame compared to other entries in the series, but this also broadens its appeal. Players looking for a sweet and romantic yuri title should definitely not miss out on this one.

Gameplay: There are no choices as this is a kinetic novel.

Graphics: Restricted to a 4:3 ratio, but still looks very good.

Audio. Japanese voice acting along with some lovely background music

Pulstar

Pulstar

Pulstar is a very straightforward arcade shooter so depending on your taste you will either find it a refreshing blast from the past or become frustrated after only a few minutes. It definitely packs quite a challenge and the difficulty ramps up very quickly, so quick reflexes and a bit of luck is required to make the most of it. If you enjoyed games like Geometry Wars and Beat Hazard you will have fun with Pulstar.

Gameplay: Straightforward and challenging arcade shooter.

Graphics: Nice, but it can be hard to distinguish the enemies from the background at times.

Sound: The sound effects lack punch, but the music is very catchy

The Novelist

The Novelist

While The Novelist is rather limited as a game, it does pack a great story that is engaging enough to forgive the repetition involved. Playing as a ghostly presence that becomes embroiled in the lives of the Kaplan family is engrossing stuff and the game knows how to tug at the heartstrings. Although short you will want to go back for more if only to see the consequences of making different choices.

Gameplay: The focus is definitely more on the story than on the gameplay.

Graphics: The painterly look fits the game well.

Sound: Mellow music and decent voice acting

METAL SLUG 3

METAL SLUG 3

I have to confess that I am a huge fan of the Metal Slug series and number three is one of my all time favorites. It has been fourteen years since the game was originally released in arcades, but it has lost none of its charm or playability. It once again hooked me right from the start and prompted quite a few playthroughs even though I am very familiar with the levels. Veteran players are in for a nostalgic blast from the past while newcomers have a chance to see why this game is so highly regarded by fans of the genre.

Gameplay: An action packed run and gun title with awesome vehicle and huge bosses.

Graphics: The 2D visuals looked excellent way back in 2000 and still hold up great to this day.

Sound: As chaotic as you would expect from an arcade title