VOYAGER

VOYAGER

VOYAGER challenges players to light up solar systems and uncover the planets orbiting in the dark. It is a very simple and minimalist experience, but the unique gameplay coupled with the Lofi soundtrack sets it apart from other titles. Completing all 24 levels doesn’t require a lot of effort, but an endless mode and couch co-op side mode provides enough incentive to return to it. Fans of casual games should definitely add this one to their collection.

Gameplay: VOYAGER is simple enough that anyone can pick it up and start having fun without long tutorials or explanations.

Graphics: The art style is very minimalist, but the use of light and shadow as well as the planet trails gives it a unique look and feel.

Sound: The Lofi soundtrack is a perfect match for the game and enhances the overall experience

The Tale of Bistun

The Tale of Bistun

The Tale of Bistun is a unique title that draws inspiration from an epic 12th-century Persian poem. As such, the focus is very much on the story and not so much on the occasional action sequences that punctuate long bouts of walking through beautiful environments. Nevertheless, the game is brief enough not to become too repetitive, and the excellent narration keeps the adventure compelling. There’s not much here for action fans or those expecting an RPG experience, but fans of the source material will enjoy this unique interpretation.

Gameplay: Apart from some brief hack-and-slash combat sections, the game features lots of wandering along a linear path while listening to an omniscient narrator.

Graphics: The visuals could be more detailed, but everything is colorful, and there are plenty of beautiful areas to traverse.

Sound: The traditional Iranian instruments used for the soundtrack are a nice touch, and the narrator is excellent

Undertale

Undertale

Undertale looks like a traditional retro RPG, but beneath the surface lurks a captivating and emotional title that isn’t afraid to subvert expectations. Playing as a young child trapped in a world of monsters, players are free to try and befriend everyone or do what any good RPG hero would do and slay them all. With its unique combat system and quirky cast of characters, Undertale is one of the most memorable and interesting takes on a well-worn genre and should definitely not be missed.

Gameplay: Undertale plays a lot like a traditional RPG but isn’t afraid to subvert expectations at every turn.

Graphics: The visuals are distinctly retro in style but pack plenty of charm.

Sound: Undertale features a wonderful soundtrack with plenty of memorable tunes

Hidden Cats in London

Hidden Cats in London

Hidden Cats in London is a casual and wholesome hidden object game where the goal is to find felines that blend into the background of a large illustration of London. Finding all the cats in a zone fills it with color until the entire drawing is completed. It’s a fun and relaxing experience but very short-lived. The inclusion of an advanced mode that features more cats in random locations boosts the replay value, along with some smaller bonus levels that can be unlocked. The wallet friend price tag also makes Hidden Cats in London a game that can be bought on impulse without regret.

Gameplay: Finding all the cats hidden away is fun, but some of them are tiny, to say the least.

Graphics: The illustration of London is big and detailed, with plenty of humorous details that can be seen up close.

Sound: The soundtrack is relaxing, but the constantly meowing cats can become a distraction

Dishonored – The Knife of Dunwall

Dishonored – The Knife of Dunwall

The Knife of Dunwall is a welcome return to the world of Dishonored, but players are treated to Daud’s point of view this time. Dishonored veterans will remember Daud as the legendary assassin who killed the Empress, but this DLC shows a different side to him. As with the original game, players can cause as much chaos as they want or go for a more stealthy approach. Both offer a lot of fun, but being stealthy is definitely a lot more rewarding. The cautious approach also allows players to savor the relatively brief experience a bit longer. Fans of Dishonored will love The Knife of Dunwall, but it doesn’t offer anything radically new, and it does feel like half a game due to the abrupt ending.

Gameplay: Whether killing everyone in sight or trying never to be seen, The Knife of Dunwall offers a fun and rewarding experience.

Graphics: The visuals show their age, but the unique art style makes up for technical shortcomings.

Sound: The audio is once again excellent, but some of the dialogue between guards is repeated a little too often for our liking

It Takes Two

It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a 3D platformer that has been built from the ground up to be a cooperative experience. It tells the heartfelt story of two people who are on the brink of divorce when they are thrown together for the adventure of a lifetime. The fantastic levels, innovative gameplay, and constant surprises make It Takes Two one of the most memorable titles in the genre and, without a doubt, one of the best co-op games of all time.

Gameplay: Along with traditional platforming and puzzle solving, each section of It Takes Two introduces new gameplay elements.

Graphics: The character designs are top-notch, and the levels are some of the most imaginative in the genre.

Sound: The stellar voice acting and great sound design make It Takes Two feel like a blockbuster movie instead of a game at times

Nex Machina

Nex Machina

Nex Machina is an intense twin-stick shooter that is challenging yet accessible. While the game only features six worlds, it has plenty of modes to lure players back in. The action is over the top, and once players learn how to increase their score multiplier and string together combos for rescuing humans, the real fun begins. Unsurprisingly for a game that benefited from the input of Eugene Jarvis, Nex Machina is a blast to play from start to finish and definitely scratches that old-school shooter itch.

Gameplay: The game can be unforgiving, but players willing to get good are in for a blast.

Graphics: The voxel visuals and great use of color make Nex Machina a good-looking game.

Sound: The soundtrack is a great match for the arcade-style action, and the announcer is a nice throwback to the arcade days

PowerWash Simulator

PowerWash Simulator

PowerWash Simulator does precisely what the name says, with players handed a power washer and unleashed on various dirty locations and vehicles. Different upgrades, as well as a variety of game modes, will keep players busy for ages, but the game can become quite repetitive. However, it is a very relaxing and casual experience that is great for enjoying while listening to something else in the background.

Gameplay: Very simple and straightforward, but quite fun and relaxing.

Graphics: There are lots of different levels and plenty of variety in the vehicles that need cleaning.

Sound: No music, but the ambient noises and effects add to the relaxing atmosphere of the game

Metal: Hellsinger

Metal: Hellsinger

Metal: Hellsinger is a rhythm-based first-person shooter starring a half-human half-demon named Unknown. After getting her voice taken away, Unknown teams up with a talking skull and goes on a rampage through hell. The rhythm elements and the soundtrack featuring some of the best voices in metal set the game apart, and while short, it offers a lot of fun while it lasts.

Gameplay: Shooting enemies to the beat of a metal soundtrack is a lot of fun but can become a little repetitive.

Graphics: The visuals look good, but there’s nothing here that Doom players have not seen before.

Sound: The metal soundtrack is graced by some of the best singers in the genre, and the voice acting is also very professional

The Plague Doctor of Wippra

The Plague Doctor of Wippra

The Plague Doctor of Wippra is a brief point-and-click adventure with an interesting setting and characters. The game features neat pixel art visuals and a great soundtrack. The experience is very linear, though; veterans of the genre should have no trouble with the puzzles. However, it is refreshing to take on puzzles with real-life historical and medical context that isn’t too esoteric.

Gameplay: The game is short but engaging throughout and doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Graphics: The hand-drawn pixel art has a certain charm and is a good match for the game’s tone.

Sound: The game features a beautiful soundtrack with many wistful or melancholic tunes