Papers, Please

Papers, Please

Papers, Please is one of those titles that you have to play in order to truly appreciate. It is hard to try to explain the concept to someone else without making it sound dull, but believe us, the game will suck you in. With some thought-provoking moral dilemmas and multiple endings, you might find yourself coming back to this one again and again.

Gameplay: Papers, Please, is a truly unique and engaging experience.

Graphics: The unique visual style matches the mood and setting of the game perfectly.

Sound: The audio for the game is very sparse but quite fitting

Cubixx HD

Cubixx HD

Cubixx HD takes the addictive formula of the old arcade hit Qix and brings it into the modern era. The 3D playing field increases the challenge, but the basics can be mastered in no time. Putting up a decent high score and completing the Challenge levels takes a bit more practice, though, not to mention taking on the online leaderboards. Even when failing repeatedly, the addictive gameplay, stylish visuals, and thumping soundtrack will keep you returning for more.

Gameplay: The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, just like a good arcade or puzzle game should be.

Graphics: The visuals are not too flashy but very nice overall.

Sound: This is definitely a game where you will want to crank the volume up loud

Nanostray

Nanostray

It is not without its faults but Nanostray is a pretty impressive debut shooter for the Nintendo DS. Longevity is definitely an issue but the game is fun while it lasts. The 3D backgrounds also show what the handheld is capable of so hopefully this will not be the last time we see a game of this type on the system.

Gameplay: A blast for shooter fans but a bit short.

Graphics: Pretty spectacular by DS standards.

Sound: Very fitting for the game

Fallout 3

Fallout 3

The shift towards a more action oriented first person view might not sit well with purists, but Fallout 3 is still a very entertaining and highly engrossing role playing game. Exploring the wasteland and all its perils is a memorable experience and there is enough to do in this game to keep you busy for ages. The game wasn’t without its bugs when it first launched, but has stabilized a lot since then and there are also hundreds of mods available to enhance the experience.

Gameplay: More action and a little less role playing than the previous Fallout titles, but still good.

Graphics: While not exactly cutting edge the visuals still allow for an immersive experience.

Sound: The game features a great selection of classic tunes

AIPD – Artificial Intelligence Police Department

AIPD – Artificial Intelligence Police Department

For an action-packed, neon-fueled arcade shooter, look no further than AIPD. Despite the intriguing title, the game does not have a story-driven campaign mode but has tons of action. The number of enemy and arena permutations on offer also gives it more replay value than typical arcade shooters. Best of all, it features a four-player local coop mode, which is as fun as it is chaotic.

Gameplay: AIPD features plenty of addictive old-school shooting action.

Graphics: The 80s neon glow art style has been done before, but it still looks great.

Sound: Features a nice electronic soundtrack and solid sound effects

Highschool Possession

Highschool Possession

Highschool Possession tells the tale of a student named Hikaru, who one day finds his conscience mysteriously alternating between the bodies of two girls in his school. It is an interesting premise, but due to the short length of the game not a lot of time is spent on fleshing it out more. While the art and audio is decent enough the story could definitely have benefited from a bit more work.

Gameplay: The basic story is quite interesting, but due to its short length a lot of things feels glossed over.

Graphics: Nice artwork, but not many different backgrounds

Sound: The soundtrack is decent, but the game features no voice acting

The Order of the Thorne – The King’s Challenge

The Order of the Thorne – The King’s Challenge

The Order of the Thorne – The King’s Challenge offers a witty, entertaining and family friendly point and click adventure experience. The retro style visuals take a while to get used to, especially on larger monitors, but definitely captures the charm of the classics of the genre. As far as point and click adventures goes this one is rather straightforward, but definitely a lot of fun and well worth adding to your collection.

Gameplay: The story and puzzles are relatively straightforward, but still very entertaining.

Graphics: Looks like it was lifted straight from a nineties Sierra title.

Sound: Great voice acting for all the characters and a nice orchestral soundtrack

Planescape: Torment

Planescape: Torment

You just don’t get games like this anymore and it is with good reason that Planescape Torment is constantly rated amongst the best games of all time. It is a nice departure from similar games in the genre but you are going to need patience and perseverance to stick with it. Once you get caught up in the fate of the nameless one however there’s no turning back until you have seen all that this game has to offer.

Gameplay: Planescape Torment is a solid RPG experience that should please all fans of the genre.

Graphics: Showing their age but the story makes up for the lack in visuals.

Sound: Excellent voice work and great sound effects not to mention stirring music

Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy

Jak & Daxter is a good game that checks all the right boxes on the platform 101 list but fails to really captivate. Stages involve collecting the same things over and over while the story will only keep you hooked if you are very young or easily amused. While it does nothing spectacularly wrong it does little to set itself apart.

Gameplay: This is a solid platform title in the vein of Super Mario 64 and similar titles, but unfortunately there’s not much to set it apart.

Graphics: Good draw distance and vibrant colors, but cliched locations.

Sound: The voice acting is good and the music decent, but unmemorable

CLANNAD

CLANNAD

At first glance CLANNAD appears to be a typical slice of life visual novel featuring the adventures of high school delinquent Tomoya Okazaki. However, its engrossing storylines and fascinating characters make it a title that is hard to put down. Completing the multiple storyline branches takes a long, long time, but the excellent writing and emotional impact makes it worthwhile. The game is a must have title for fans of the genre, but thanks to its compelling storylines will definitely appeal to other players as well.

Gameplay: CLANNAD features multiple routes that lead to different storylines based on your choices.

Graphics: The art style takes a while to get used to, but the overall quality is very good.

Sound: The game features a stellar selection of tracks and very good Japanese voice acting