Concursion

Concursion

Concursion is definitely a game that will defy expectations. It is not as straightforward as it first appears and the way that five different genres have been combined seamlessly is impressive to say the least. Individually none of the genres would really have stood out, but mixed together they offer gameplay experiences that are just not possible elsewhere. While the visuals are not that great the audio is superb and Concursion offers plenty of challenging content. This is not a game that you will be completing in a hurry.

Gameplay: A challenging, but addictive blend of five different genres and styles.

Graphics: Plenty of variety, but I’m not a big fan of the visual style.

Sound: The soundtrack is great and seamlessly changes along with the playing styles

DLC Quest

DLC Quest

While extremely short, DLC Quest offers enough entertainment considering its low asking price. It is a satirical look at the state of the gaming industry and its obsession with downloadable content, but there is enough gameplay here to make the game fun in its own right.

Gameplay: DLC Quest is relatively easy, but it is pretty entertaining.

Graphics: The visuals are very basic but have a unique charm.

Sound: The game features some nice retro tunes

Rayman Origins

Rayman Origins

If you don’t like to be challenged and prefer games that you can complete without breaking a sweat, then Rayman Origins is not for you. If you can still remember the days when platform games were a true test of your skills and reflexes then you can’t pass up this game. Origins is one of the best looking and entertaining entries that the genre has seen in recent years and well worth adding to your collection.

Gameplay: Starts off nice and easy, but the challenge soon ramps up.

Graphics: Some of the best 2D visuals seen in a platform game.

Sound: Brilliantly wacky and perfectly suits the look and feel of the game

Kameo: Elements Of Power

Kameo: Elements Of Power

As far as launch titles go Kameo is quite impressive, but if you were expecting something radically new and different be prepared for disappointment. There are some good ideas packed in the game, but the sloppy controls and repetitive gameplay soon show through the pretty visuals. It’s not a complete disaster, but falls short of what it could have been.

Gameplay: The controls let it down a lot, but if you are a platform fan there’s fun to be had.

Graphics: Very good, but the quality is a bit uneven.

Sound: Epic soundtrack, but the usual mediocre voice acting

Guacamelee! Gold Edition

Guacamelee! Gold Edition

I was immediately drawn in by the charming visuals, but it was the gameplay that really hooked me. Combat remains entertaining without becoming tedious and the platform sections manage to mix in some brain teasers along with the precision jumping. It is very encouraging to see gems like this emerge from an already crowded genre, so don’t hesitate to snag this game.

Gameplay: This game is a joy to play.

Graphics: Crisp, detailed and very stylish visuals.

Sound: Packed with earworms!

MURI

MURI

If you remember the classic DOS-era platformers such as Duke Nukem, Commander Keen, and Bio Menace, then you will love Muri. Everything from the visuals and sound to the frame rate is an homage to these early titles. It is rare to see a title embrace these kinds of limitations so faithfully and still manage to deliver an entertaining experience, so if you are nostalgic about that era, Muri is worth checking out.

Gameplay: Muri perfectly captures the run-and-gun platforming feel of a DOS-era title.

Graphics: The visuals consist of 16-color EGA at its best.

Sound: The game faithfully recreates the PC speaker sounds

Wooden Sen’SeY

Wooden Sen’SeY

Wooden Sen’SeY is perfect for gamers looking for an old school platform challenge but prefer modern visuals. With nine unique and varied levels as well as an addictive Time Attack mode, there is a lot to like about Wooden Sen’SeY. It can all be over a bit soon if you rush the game, but completionists will be busy for ages.

Gameplay: Old school platform action at its best.

Graphics: Beautiful and varied.

Sound: Very fitting tunes for each level

Poncho (Delve Interactive)

Poncho (Delve Interactive)

Just like any 2D platform game with a shadow motif will probably be compared to Limbo for the foreseeable future, PONCHO is inevitable going to draw comparisons to Fez. From the title and vibrant pixel art visuals to the chiptune soundtrack and world shifting gameplay mechanics there are plenty of similarities. However, we spent some time playing this parallax platformer and it definitely has a unique identity of its own

Castlevania: Legacy Of Darkness

Castlevania: Legacy Of Darkness

While the game is entertaining and offers value for money, I’m still not sold on the third dimension. It just adds annoying problems and the drab color palette doesn’t help either. Still, there is plenty of content with four playable characters, although the game feels more like an upgrade than a sequel to the original Castlevania 64.

Gameplay: Lots of platform jumping & some minor puzzle solving.

Graphics: Not too bad but definately needed more color.

Sound: Again not too bad but certainly not the best in the series

Nephil’s Fall by Exordium Games

Nephil’s Fall by Exordium Games

Start weak and build up your character until they are an unstoppable force. That is usually how progression works in games. Some games strip you of all powers at the start and require you to slowly regain them again, but Nephil’s Fall dares to do things a little differently