Sakura Nova

Sakura Nova

The setting and characters are all good, but nothing ever happens to really make you care about either. The game does feature a free patch to add back all the censored content, so anyone looking for a nukige title will probably enjoy Sakura Nova. Unfortunately, those looking for a memorable story or plan on playing without the patch are likely to be disappointed.

Gameplay: There are choices to be made and three different endings, but the story is a bit lacking.

Graphics: Like other titles in the Sakura series the visuals are beautiful, but static.

Sound: Not much to say about the music, but the voice acting is pretty good

DoDonPachi Resurrection

DoDonPachi Resurrection

Not everyone enjoys navigating a hail of bullets with pinpoint precision while retaliating with excessive firepower, but if bullet hell shooters are your thing then you can’t go wrong with DoDonPachi Resurrection. The story will probably be lost on most players and the game can be very daunting at first, but it packs a wealth of modes and options. The action is relentless and chasing highscores is undeniably addictive. This Steam version does suffer from a couple of minor issues, but overall it is a great example of the genre and one that all shooter fans will want to add to their collection.

Gameplay: The action is relentless, but very addictive.

Graphics: Good, but the playing area is rather small and mostly filled with bullets.

Sound: The soundtrack is fast paced and upbeat while the sound effects deserves to be cranked up high

BioBeasts: Mutate & Destroy

BioBeasts: Mutate & Destroy

Help a mutating monster escape the clutches of some evil robots in this fun arcade-style survival game from Artix Entertainment. It features a nice assortment of monsters, all of whom can be customized to your liking using varies mutations. You also get to bash in plenty of robotic skulls, but helping your creature reach freedom is going to take quick reflexes. BioBeasts not only looks great, but it is also addictive enough that you’ll keep returning to it for just one more go. Best of all it is a free to play title that isn’t crammed with intrusive or unfair adverts and in-app purchases.

Gameplay: BioBeasts is simple to play, but very addictive and the ability to equip your creature with mutations provide it with plenty of variety.

Graphics: Everything from the creature designs to the look of the enemies and levels are top notch.

Sound: The music is fitting and the sound effects very good

Princess Maker 2 Refine

Princess Maker 2 Refine

It has been quite a long wait, but Princess Maker 2 Refine is finally available to western audiences. There is no denying that it is a very niche title and still has a couple of rough edges to smooth out, but it is still a very addictive title with plenty of replay value. Prepare to lose at least a couple of hours when you get hooked on this game.

Gameplay: Very stat heavy, but once you get the hang of how things work it becomes extremely addictive.

Graphics: The visuals have been spruced up, but still look a little dated compared to more modern titles.

Sound: Nice tunes and full Japanese voice overs

Lichtspeer

Lichtspeer

If you are looking for a game that is easy to pick up and play, but challenging enough to keep you coming back for more then you’ll get a kick out of Lichtspeer. It only takes one level to learn everything you need to know to stay alive, but thanks to the overwhelming odds against you it never becomes boring. The difficulty ramps up very quickly, but because the game is so addictive you’ll be back after every rage quit.

Gameplay: Easy to pick up and play, but hard to master.

Graphics: The retro futuristic visual style is a nice match for the setting.

Sound: The soundtrack is great and you’ll encounter some hilarious speech samples too

Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek

Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek

Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek is definitely starting to show its age in terms of visuals, but the story still remains compelling. The game is also stuffed to the gills with challenging hidden object scenes, although the puzzle scenes are nothing to write home about. The game is still a great example of the genre though, and well worth checking out before moving on to more recent entries. Just be prepared to put up with some annoyances, such as a lack of fast travel option.

Gameplay: Plenty of challenging hidden object scenes although the puzzles are a little weak.

Graphics: Plenty of varied and well-drawn locations to explore.

Sound: The soundtrack and ambient effects are very atmospheric, but the voice acting could have been better

Nurse Love Addiction

Nurse Love Addiction

Nurse Love Addiction might look like a typical yuri visual novel at first glance, but it actually has a lot more to offer. The story starts off very light, but depending on the choices you make and route you take it can become quite dark. It is also one of those games where it is better to experience the plot twists and turns for yourself instead of having them spoiled for you, so play the game and find out what all the fuss is about.

Gameplay: Features a branching storyline with plenty of different endings to reach.

Graphics: No animation and limited locations, but the art style is very good.

Sound: Full voice acting and a great soundtrack

The Room Two

The Room Two

Like the original PC version of The Room, the sequel took a couple of years to transition from iOS. Players impatient after the cliffhanger ending had to turn to the iOS version for the sequel, and indeed, the third installment of the game, but those who held out for the PC version are in for a treat. Fireproof Games once again took the time to create an enhanced high-definition version of the game instead of simply releasing a quick port.

Gameplay: The larger playing areas in this sequel make for more puzzle variety.

Graphics: Once again, the visuals have been vastly improved compared to the iOS release.

Sound: The audio is creepy and unnerving but very fitting

Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily

Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily

Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily is a hidden object game with some interesting clue hunting scenes and a story that, for once, isn’t steeped in the paranormal. It is however also a very short game and can be completed with ease by anyone familiar with the genre. Provided you don’t mind the lack of challenge there is still fun to be had with the game, but unfortunately there is nothing really remarkable about it.

Gameplay: Hunting for clues and not just hidden objects is a nice feature.

Graphics: The locations are detailed, but a little limited.

Sound: Average music and the voice acting could also have been better in spots

Sonicomi

Sonicomi

Step into the shoes of a gravure photographer and help the adorable model Sonico to kick-start her career. Sonicomi is more than just a typical visual novel as it also places a camera in your hands and requires you to take photos of Sonico according to the briefs of clients. Thanks to 18 different endings, interesting characters and a multitude of clothing options for the shoots the game has more than enough replay value to keep players busy for ages.

Gameplay: An interesting mix of visual novel and 3D photography scenes.

Graphics: Sonico is the only 3D model in the game, but she looks great and has plenty of charm.

Sound: Good music and sound effects along with two different voice actress options for Sonico